Exploration. Adventure. Expression.

Hello! My name is Saskia Becker and I live and work in Fort Collins, 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 and exploration in my art.  

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. I use the dioramas as references while I'm painting to create believable, dramatic narratives. The subject matter in my work changes from time to time as I grow as a person and gain experiences, but this method of creating dioramas for my paintings remains.

I'm currently interested in telling my own stories from my adventures outside. From a 700+ mile bike-packing trip in Chile, to summiting Colorado's 14ers, to the Leadville 100, I really enjoy pushing my limits outside. These adventures are what makes me feel alive, so it is no surprise that I want to share stories from the trails. There is something about being far from any creature comfort that brings out authentic and raw emotions. My memories from these adventures hold significant emotional weight, often muddled with physical pain and a keen awareness of mortality. All senses are heightened and many choices have no room for error. Looking back, it is in these truly difficult moments that I find the most value. Living life fully is worth sharing.
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