Rebecca Morris: Seattle-based writer & journalist exploring themes of mystery & the unseen
Rebecca Morris, born in Corvallis, Oregon in 1969, is a Seattle-based writer and journalist whose artistic explorations delve into themes of mystery and the unseen—a preoccupation that extends beyond her creative endeavors. Growing up amidst the fertile landscapes of Oregon instilled in her a deep appreciation for natural beauty, yet it was also shaped by the legacy of her father, James ‘Jimmie’ Morris, a pioneering radio broadcaster who established KOAC in 1932, marking an early foray into media and storytelling. This familial influence undoubtedly contributed to her later success as a journalist and novelist.
Morris pursued her education at Oregon State University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, followed by a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Brown University. Her academic grounding provided her with invaluable tools for crafting narratives—a skill she honed through freelance work for publications like *The Oregonian*, *Bloomberg Radio*, *CNN*, and *Fox News*, alongside contributions to literary magazines such as *People*, *Entertainment Weekly*, *New York Daily News*, *American Theatre,* and *The Seattle Times*. This diverse journalistic experience cultivated her ability to observe, analyze, and communicate complex ideas with clarity and grace.
Her debut novel, *Ted & Ann: The Mystery of a Missing Child and Her Neighbor Ted Bundy*, published independently in 2011 by Dog Ear Publishing and subsequently released as an ebook in 2013, cemented her reputation as a storyteller captivated by unsettling narratives—particularly those centered around true crime. This project showcased Morris’s talent for weaving suspenseful tales while grappling with profound questions about human psychology and morality. The book's success garnered considerable attention and solidified her position within the genre.
Morris’s artistic practice centers on painting, characterized by a distinctive visual language that prioritizes subtle color palettes and geometric forms—often exploring variations of gray and black—to convey emotional depth and psychological resonance. Her canvases are frequently imbued with an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider unspoken narratives and hidden connections. Recurring motifs include circles and squares, which Morris utilizes as symbols representing containment, balance, and the interplay between opposing forces. Influenced by Minimalism and Conceptual Art movements, she strives to distill visual experience into its purest essence—a deliberate rejection of ornamentation in favor of intellectual engagement.
Notable achievements include her Guggenheim Fellowship awarded in 2008, recognizing her artistic merit and furthering her creative pursuits. Furthermore, she received The California Community Foundation Award in 2013 for her literary contributions and was featured on *Washington’s Most Wanted* television program in November 2014, highlighting her work and its exploration of unsettling themes. Rebecca Morris continues to produce compelling artwork that speaks to the complexities of human experience—a testament to her unwavering dedication to storytelling and artistic innovation.
- Early Life & Education
- Rebecca Morris was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, which she says is a place that inspires some of her work.Smith College, Northampton,. Massachusetts, B.A., 1991. The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, MFA, 1994.
- Morris’s artistic process may be characterized as casual, fluid and spontaneous. Inspired by craft and decoration, Morris explores the idiosyncrasy and imperfection of the artist’s hand.Minimalism and Conceptual Art movements influenced her work.
- Notable Works
- Morris's paintings explore themes of absence and contemplation. Her canvases often utilize geometric forms—primarily circles and squares—to convey balance and containment.Untitled (#215-12), Untitled (#112-12), Untitled (#181-12)
- Influences
- Morris cites artists such as Raoul De Keyser and Joan Mitchell as significant inspirations. Her work reflects a preoccupation with exploring the psychological dimensions of visual experience.
- Achievements
- Rebecca Morris received The Guggenheim Fellowship in 2008, recognizing her artistic merit and furthering her creative pursuits.Guggenheim Fellowship. She was also awarded The California Community Foundation Award for her literary contributions.
- Current Biography
- Rebecca Morris is currently a professor of painting and drawing at UCLA. Prior to that, she lectured at numerous colleges including Columbia University, Bard College, Pasadena City College, USC's School of Fine Arts, and the University of Chicago.
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