Living on the mountain certainly gives residents an abundant pool of hobbies to choose from. With snowboarding, skiing, hiking, mountain biking and fishing on offer, many locals find their passion in the myriad of wonders the national forest has to offer. But there is one passion that blossoms just about any time of the year that has given inspiration and joy to not just the creator, but those lucky enough to enjoy its fruits: Art.

Mt. Hood resident Becky Hawley has been an artist since the 1990s, and finds the creation of her work, as a resident of the mountain, profoundly special and inspirational. “The beauty of our Mt. Hood corridor is really something special. I love trying to capture the moods of the mountain itself, as well as the beautiful rivers and forest,” Hawley said.

Hawley has involved herself with many different forms of art from trompe l’oeil, murals (both public and private), oil paintings and pottery. “Making tangible things is interesting and enjoyable, so I dabble: clay pottery, sculptures, ceramics, garden art from copper and stained glass, birdhouses... “At the end of the day, I like something I can hold in my hand,” Hawley said.

Hawley’s passion for art began in grade school. Taking art classes and embracing her skill, Hawley found that this new direction would become an outlet for some of the challenges she was facing. “As a dyslexic person, school was a constant struggle, so art and singing became my comfort. At 14 years old I spent the summer with an oil painting set, and when I used all the paint and canvas paper, that was the end of painting,” Hawley said.

As with any other passion or hobby, growth in the field came with its hurdles and challenges. “I quit taking art in the 10th grade. The art teacher gave me a bad grade on our first assignment and when I asked why, she couldn’t explain the why in a way I could understand. Most of my painting education came from watching artists on TV. Some established artists taught their techniques and I learned they were very good art teachers. Observing was only the first step and when I could, I began to practice. The more I do the more I learn,” Hawley said.

Although Hawley has experimented with a variety of art forms over the years, the pieces she sells to those who admire and desire her work are usually paintings and murals. “I’ll use various painting styles and am always exploring. Most of my inspiration comes from within and I find ways to express myself through impressionism, expressionism, abstracts, realism, or with a combination of styles,” Hawley said.
Inspiration for her work comes in many ways, but Hawley credits her neighbor, Roger Cooke, with providing an important influence and great inspiration as an artist. Hawley also views art not just as a hobby or something fun to do on the side; Hawley sees it more as a means of communication, part of a history we can all share. “Art is a form of communication, a way to take what I envision and share it with others. Art has an impact on us, whether we recognize it or not. I marvel at color, its energy and how it can make us feel. Art’s a historical record of our life and times, of those who have gone before us,” Hawley said.

The mountain has given Hawley much to work with in terms of her pieces and the feelings they convey. Utilizing the national forest as her canvas, Hawley has many different locations she goes to when she’s ready to create her next masterpiece. “Currently, I’m working out of a studio in Brightwood. It’s an inspiring, peaceful place. I always look forward to hiking/walking and painting outdoors during warm weather months,” Hawley said.

Hawley is also a member of the Wy’east Artisans Guild, which helps promote local artists throughout the Mt. Hood corridor. Her work is available at different art shows and viewings throughout the area, and anyone interested in her work can contact Hawley at bek.hawley@gmail.com.