Not many Auburn students can say they have artwork featured in the Auburn Circle, Auburn Art, Starbucks Coffee and the Blue Giraffe Boutique. Becky Mercer can, and she has done it with no formal training.

Mercer is an Auburn University senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a big talent and even bigger passion for art.

“I have been painting and creating things since kindergarten,” Mercer said.

Mercer says her mother has been a continuing source of inspiration and encouragement for her artwork. She adds that further inspiration comes from almost anywhere.

“I find it in flowers, cards or purses, really anything,” she said.

Mercer's artwork often features trees, owls, pumpkins and flowers. She says the trees and pumpkins are her favorite to paint because she can vary their shape and lines. Many of Mercer’s pieces include her favorite quotes found in television shows or scripture.

“Sometimes an idea is completely from my own creativity, and sometimes I am moved by another artist in a gallery or a designer in a store," she said.

Mercer's art is set apart from others through her use of different mediums. She mainly uses acrylic paints, but the artwork often contains fabric, buttons or paper.

“I would say my work is eclectic, folk art. I have so many different mediums and subjects in my work, and I use so many techniques that I don’t think I can be pinned down with one specific type or style,” she said.

Mercer has been asked to give lessons, but she said not having a style would make it difficult for her to teach. She thinks she is more of an emotional, rather than a technical, artist. Mercer believes being an emotional artist often means she must be in the mood to paint.

“I’m not exactly sure what the mood entails, but when I know, I know, and I will paint about four or five paintings in a row," Mercer said. "Then I won’t paint for a few weeks until I feel like it again.”

Not only is Mercer successful with a paintbrush, but her photography has been featured on several occasions in the Auburn Circle, a magazine dedicated to the creative works of students.

“I loved taking photographs as a child, and for my 10th birthday my mom bought me a really nice Wolf camera," she said. "I guess I have been snapping away ever since.”

Becky was particularly inspired to photograph various places across Italy when she studied abroad in June 2008. Her pictures of Italy and Auburn landmarks can be found in several of her friends’ apartments.

“I enjoy painting more. Photography for me is sporadic," Mercer said. "I take pictures when I feel inspired by a subject.”

Mercer does not plan to make artwork her main source of income, but she would like to continue selling her pieces.

She encourages others with similar talents to show off their portfolios. Forming a presentable portfolio is how Mercer got her artwork noticed and placed in Starbucks Coffee and the Blue Giraffe Boutique in Seaside, Fla.

“I met with the owners and gave them my portfolio," she said. "They felt the work was unique and would be interesting to their customers. Every few months I send them new pieces.”

Her artwork can be viewed by visiting http://beckymercerart.etsy.com. At this Web site, Mercer welcomes custom designs. To customize your painting, email Mercer a particular design you like with the color scheme or quote you prefer.

Mercer tells those interested in painting to not try too hard.

“Just find something you love and capture it," she said. "It’s that simple.”


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