Rebecca Bonaci

How did you get into making art?

I don’t think there was a specific moment when I got into art, it’s something I’ve always done for as long as I can remember. Creating has always felt like a necessity for me. I’ve always been drawn to that sense of discovery and accomplishment when I finish something new. That feeling keeps me hooked.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on pieces for upcoming group exhibitions, but since I had a solo show a couple of months ago, I’m also giving myself time to experiment, explore, and simply enjoy creating, without stress or expectations.

What inspired you to get started on this body of work?

This year, I feel ready to explore themes I’ve been putting on hold for some time, revisiting old sketches, building on previous ideas, and allowing myself the freedom to simply create.

Most of the time, my previous work inspires what comes next. It feels like layering, building on a topic piece by piece, where one idea naturally leads to another. It’s an ongoing loop, a continuous process of reflection and development.

Much of the work I’m making right now responds to what’s happening around us in the world. It’s an ongoing conversation. Questioning our tolerance, what we consider acceptable, and how these boundaries are shaped. I’m trying to understand how people think, how we behave in society, and where I fit within it all.

Through this process, I examine what we label as “normal,” challenging those assumptions and considering not just how the world is, but how it could, or should be.

Do you work on distinct projects or do you take a broader approach to your practice?

I take a broader approach to my practice. Instead of separate projects, my work evolves around certain themes, with each piece connecting to the next like chapters in a conversation.

Even when I focus on a specific body of work, it’s all part of a larger, fluid process. I try not to limit myself and stay playful, letting experimentation and intuition guide me. For me, it’s about keeping the work open and always evolving.

What’s a typical day like in your studio?

It really depends on what I’m working on. I’m also a tattoo artist, and I have a daughter, so I try not to over-romanticize my art practice. My days are full and grounded in reality, and I’ve learned to work within that rhythm rather than against it.

Most of my conceptual work, sketching and journaling happens in the evenings after I put my daughter to sleep. I often draw at the kitchen table, in a cafe, or even at the beach. I carry my drawings and pigments with me almost everywhere, so the work moves with me instead of being confined to a single space.

Painting is different. It requires more focus and mental clarity, so I prefer to start in the morning. When I’m in a painting phase, I dedicate full days to it. I’ll have music or a podcast playing in the background, and I completely zone out. Sometimes working like that for days and weeks at a time.

Who are your favorite artists?

I really admire Tracey Emin. I’m drawn to the way she centers emotional intelligence in her work. We’re often taught that academic intelligence is the most important thing, but I believe that if we valued emotional intelligence just as much, alongside intellectual understanding the world would be a better place. Her work feels raw, vulnerable, and unapologetically honest.

I also recently watched a documentary about Hilma af Klint, and I’m completely mesmerized by her paintings. The spiritual depth and symbolism in her work feel so ahead of their time.

I also love Camilla Engström, Peggy Kuiper, and Sophie Løeber. Each of them has a distinct visual language that feels both playful and powerful in different ways.

Where do you go to discover new artists?

Mostly through Instagram, or through podcasts. I love listening to Katy Hessel’s artist interviews. It’s inspiring to hear artists talk about their experiences and what motivates them. It creates a deeper connection and helps me understand their work on a more personal level.