Rebecca Peebles (she/her) is HOL SUM, another way of saying “wholesome,” and is all about self integration through creative, contemplative practice. Extending beyond her artworks and wearable art, she hosts intimate events, workshops, and exhibitions and curates personal collections under the name Home Safe Projects. Formerly, Rebecca founded and ran GroundSwell Gallery (2011-2014) with Danette Montoya. As of 2004, Rebecca lives and works in Denver, CO and is originally from Richmond, VA.
Early in her art career, Rebecca realized her art practice and dedication to her craft techniques is a form of contemplative practice. Setting about making with intention has grown into crafting weavings, sculpture, beadwork and sometimes drawings or paintings as dedications of merit for the natural heroism of human being.
“My wish is for those who wear my beadwork or collect my art to see and connect with their own true story and embody that truth with a sense of self respect and gratitude for their unique life journey.” Rebecca’s own hardships and joys are reflected in her art. She believes that her contemplative based artwork are projections of self-compassion that can be shared empathically with others. Merit for life’s gross, chaotic unpredictable reality is the kind of merit that is often under-recognized, but HOL SUM is about extending care and gratitude to the whole person’s heroic journey throughout the spectrum of life’s awesome intensities.
When it comes to workshops and sharing contemplative craft with others, Rebecca finds joy in the process and is described as “next level patient” with learners. Home Safe workshops aim to create access to individuals’ own creative flow while initiating and fostering creativity as a personal practice of mental health and healing.