Conversations with Saskia Becker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Saskia Becker.

Hi Saskia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! My name is Saskia Becker and I am an artist in Colorado. I was not one of those kids that always wanted to be an artist… I wanted to be a vet, then a neurosurgeon, and then I decided that I reaaally wanted to be a dentist (yes, a dentist). Eventually, I came back around to art and graduated with a BFA in Painting and Drawing from Colorado State University in 2019. Two things to know about me: I love stories and I love adventure. It’s no surprise that I’m usually telling stories about adventure in my art.

I’m currently interested in painting memories from my adventures outside. From a 700+ mile bike-packing trip in Chile to summiting Colorado’s 14ers, to the Leadville 100, I enjoy pushing my limits outside. These adventures are what make me feel alive. I find that sharing these experiences visually communicates personal truths far beyond simple recreation. It is through these experiences that I find life worth living and pursuing professionally.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road, but would it be worth it if it was easy? I didn’t always know I wanted to be an artist, and even now that I do, I still work through a lot of feelings around imposter syndrome.

I took a gap year between high school and college before I decided that I’d go for a BFA. I had a lot of doubts about making a career in artwork. Ultimately, I realized that if I didn’t just go for it, I would have always wondered if I could do it.

When it comes to actually making art, I struggle with that too. It’s a part of the process. I fail a lot. Behind every finished piece, there are some UGLY studies, sketches, reference photos, etc. I’ve burned a few sketchbooks.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Primarily, I’m a painter. But I’m also a storyteller. To tell a good story, I believe in using multiple methods and materials. As an undergraduate, I wanted to paint dreams but struggled to visualize the scenes I saw in my imagination.

To combat this, I began building dioramas. Much like creating a miniature theater, I was able to create scenes that conveyed whatever story I wanted to tell. While my subject matter has evolved from dreams to the outdoors, I continue to use the dioramas as references while I’m painting to create dramatic narratives in believable spaces.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I love this question because I primarily listen to audiobooks while I paint. I can look at any painting I’ve done and tell you which book I was listening to at the time. I just finished “Light from Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki and loved it.

Highly recommend. My favorite podcast to listen to while painting: Is art Holes. Hilarious and educational! My favorite book series: Is A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin (come on and finish those final books, George!!). I’ve listened to the series four times now, it got me through two semesters of painting and an art residency in Texas.

Pricing:

• Art prints: $20-$40

Contact Info:

• Website: www.saskiabecker.com
• Instagram: @saskiatakespictures
• Other: https://www.strava.com/athletes/32968838