October 21-27, 2004

art

Rebecca Westcott

Photo By: Adam Wallacavage

by Shelley Spector

In Memoriam

Last week Becky Westcott and I dismantled "Homemade," a solo show of her work which had just ended at my gallery, SPECTOR. A few weeks earlier she'd painted the walls light green and covered them with her trademark portraits of twentysomething friends, along with paintings of her other homey interests -- plants, recipes, words and numbers. It was a show that Becky was very proud of. Although she had previously shown locally, this show was somewhat of a celebration of her recently being awarded the prestigious Pew Fellowship in the Arts. She was one of the youngest recipients ever and knew that it was a new beginning.

Becky was completely unaware of the impact her career was having outside of her studio. When we talked about her doing a solo show, she was humble and cautious. First she tried to turn it into a two-person show with her husband, Jim Houser. I said no, but every so often she would suggest another artist. Ultimately, Becky had her solo show and it was a rare opportunity for us all to see a young artist hitting her stride.

On Oct. 12, Becky was driving back to Philadelphia after a visit with her family, who lives on Nantucket. Her dog, Ella, was with her. They often did this drive together.

Sometime around 6 o'clock she got a flat while traveling through Connecticut on I-95. She pulled over to the side of the road and called Jim. She told him she wanted to learn how to change a flat. Jim was talking her through the change when they lost their connection as she struggled to turn the lug nuts.

I'm told a man with a record of reckless driving and a DWI crossed three lanes of traffic and hit Becky. She died instantly. She was only 28.

Becky's death is a huge loss not only to her friends and family but to the art community who loved and admired her.

Becky and Jim are both painters who have both been at the forefront of the young emerging art community coming out of Philadelphia, which has gotten international attention. They met at Rhode Island School of Design, where Becky went to school, and from there moved to Philly together. They married two years ago on Nantucket after being together for six years. They had a strong influence over each other in both life and art.

Becky's career rose quickly but quietly. In the past few years her work has been included in exhibitions at 1Pixel, Space 1026 and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, New Image Art in Los Angeles, 111 Minna in San Francisco, White Columns and Diesel Gallery in New York, and the Virginia Beach Contemporary Art Center. She was featured in Anthem Magazine, Tokion, Morning Wood and New American Painters.

She seemed baffled by her own success. When Becky called to tell me she had been awarded the Pew, she said that she had only made two other calls. One was to tell her mother and the other was to the Pew Foundation office to make sure it wasn’t a mistake.

Jim says Becky was happier than she had ever been in her life. Her work was getting the attention most young artists can only dream of. She was looking forward to the year booked with national shows. She and Jim were happy. This, and the fact that his was the last voice she heard, gives him comfort.

The day after the accident Jim got a call that someone had found Ella, who had been missing. Now Jim has Ella back home, along with their other dog, Stugley, and Birdie the cat. Becky loved animals, and she and Ella were usually together.

Rebecca Westcott's life work is a vision of all that is cozy, warm and personal. It is sweet and without pretense, just like she was. Even in death she was generous. Her corneas were donated to a waiting transplant patient. It was her wish. Somewhere out there someone is blessed with the beautiful vision which was once hers.

Rest in peace, Becky. We love you.

Becky is survived by her husband, Jim Houser; mother, Nadine Bernard Westcott; father, Bill Westcott; and sister, Wendy Thornton. The extended community is welcome to attend a memorial celebrating her life on Sat., Oct. 23, 4 p.m. at Space 1026, 1026 Arch St., www.space1026.com. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to Morris Animal Refuge, 1242 Lombard St., Philadelphia, Pa.,19147, 215-735-9570, www.morrisanimalrefuge.org. Cards can be sent c/o SPECTOR, 510 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19147.