Rebecca Grant: A St. George Artist Redefining Creativity
In the heart of St. George, artist Rebecca Grant transforms inspiration into vivid creations that don’t just replicate; they reimagine. “I create because it brings me joy,” she explains. “When I discover something I love, I craft it for my home. It never started with the intention that others would like my work.”
For Grant, art was always a side pursuit. Growing up in a home filled with creativity, her father—a skilled engineer—exposed her to woodworking and the intricacies of carving. Each year, he dedicated himself to crafting spectacular pinewood derby cars, designing everything from a Gameboy-inspired model to a sleek Batmobile, and even a whimsical angler fish complete with a glowing light. “I always had that creative element in my life,” she reflects, “but I never thought of myself as an artist.”
Her artistic journey took an unexpected turn during law school when she was diagnosed with ADHD. This revelation was an “aha” moment, unlocking a deeper understanding of her creative process. “I realized my brain thrives on reverse engineering,” she said. “I’m always figuring out how to take things apart and recreate them or build from scratch.” This analytical approach permeates her art, blending painting with sculptural elements as she experiments with various materials to bring her ideas to life.
Her foray into larger artistic endeavors began with Funkopops—those iconic figures known for their oversized heads. Grant delighted in boiling them down, swapping heads, and repainting them into entirely new characters, crafting unique versions of friends and family as custom Christmas gifts. Simultaneously, she explored canvas painting, diving into color and form.
Despite her husband’s penchant for order, Grant embraces creative chaos, filling every room in their home with art projects. When they moved to Utah two years ago, she negotiated a deal: she would keep her artistic clutter out of the main living areas if she could transform the boat garage into her dedicated art space.
A pivotal moment came when a ceramic artist visiting during an interior design collaboration spotted one of Grant’s pieces. Encouraged to submit her work to a local art gallery, she took a leap into the art world, debuting her first piece at the St. George Art Museum in 2023. There, she connected with fellow artists, leading to a partnership with Elizabeth Gunter at ART Provides.
Grant’s creativity truly shines through her whimsical pickleball paddle collection, showcased at ART Provides. Each paddle features a clever theme based on rhyming words, such as “Nickle Ball” and “Brickle Ball.” As her husband and sons embraced the sport, Grant, who identifies as less athletic, found a way to engage with them through her art. The idea sparked with “Prickle Ball,” a cactus-themed paddle, and soon, inspiration flowed, leading to a series of paddles each with unique wordplay.
One paddle, “Piggle-Ball,” a playful homage to Ms. Piggy, was especially close to her heart. “My grandmother was an elementary school teacher who loved children’s books,” Grant recalled fondly. “She would have loved this.” As ideas snowballed, Grant found herself crafting an entire collection, engaging visitors with a pickle jar where they could suggest future rhyming themes.
Her artistic explorations extend beyond paddles. Inspired by another artist’s 3D paper flowers, she created a series based on the vibrant colors of the movie “Encanto.” One striking statement piece draws from the colors of rapeseed fields she adored in Denmark, while another pays homage to an artist’s work with hundreds of toy soldiers—she reimagined it using countless plastic skulls set in plaster on canvas.
But her creativity doesn’t stop there. A passionate Halloween enthusiast, Grant crafts life-sized party props and decorations that elevate any celebration. This year, her villain-themed party will feature a giant Taylor Swift friendship bracelet made from Styrofoam and a large cauldron, complete with a cotton candy machine serving up green treats.
Her woodworking skills are equally impressive, as she designs custom arches, oversized Scrabble letters, and more for various events. From creating larger-than-life bears for a baby shower to crafting Chanel-themed props for a photo shoot, Grant’s versatility knows no bounds. Currently, she’s working on a cake big enough to jump out of, inspired by her favorite movie, “Singing in the Rain.” “Someone joked about popping out of a cake for their husband’s birthday, so I just had to make one!” she laughed.
Looking ahead, Grant plans to rent out her props for events and is excited about offering customizable letters for grand openings, baby showers, and weddings. She also welcomes commissions for bespoke creations. With each piece she creates, Grant not only shares her passion for art but also connects with others, inviting them into her imaginative world. In doing so, she continues to redefine what it means to be an artist, merging joy and creativity in every stroke.m creations.
