Hi!,
My name is Rebecca Medrano. I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area where I fell in love with diverse cultures, out of the box thinking, and bright vibrant colors. I currently reside in Orange County where I attend Chapman University as a Sociology- Social Psychology major. I have been making jewelry as a hobby for 5 years or so, but began to take it more seriously when living in New Zealand and working in an art studio this past summer. I spent my time surrounded by artists who not only inspired me, but who were inspired by MY work. It was there that I gained a great deal of confidence in my ability and talent. When I came back to the states, I came back with a new motive. I have had great support from friends and family, which is the reason I continue to create.

As a jewelry maker, I am completely self taught; experimenting and learning new things everyday. I love to design and draw but most of my work is created spontaneously and unconciously as I go. I search for the best bead stores and spend hours searching for the most unique material. When I was younger, my mother would take me to bead or fabric stores in Berkeley, CA and I would spend hours emersed in my surroundings. After finally realizing this was going to be an all day affair, my mom would step out to run some errands. When she returned it was as if I never knew she left. There is a feeling I get when in a fabric, bead, or craft store, that inspires and excites me; as if in another world.

I have always loved creating beautiful things. Things that force you to look at them. Things that satisfy and excite the eyes. I have also always loved using my hands. The process of building something from nothing, of having no barrier between yourself and the material. Handmade art has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, it is not only inspiring but there is a different feeling you get when you own a piece that someone has molded and slaved over with their own two hands. I come from a family of handy and creative women and men. My grandmothers were always building furniture, sewing clothes, and making interesting things. My mother making perfectly sewed duvet covers and dresses, and never hesitant to pick up a drill. My father creating things out of wood like a hot tub and shelves, a grandfather who was a wiz with cars, and two brothers who were unreal artists- one now an architect.To a large extent, they are where I was introduced to the possibility of making.

My style is very much influenced by culture. I have always been drawn to Native American, South and Central American, Indian, African and Bohemian styles. They are full of deep colors and interesting patterns which are a stable to my own style. Raised amongst a strong Italian and Mexican influence, culture has always been a part of who I am. I'm not afraid of color, in fact I live for it. I think you will find that my pieces are either very much influenced by cultures, or they are very young and bright, the two things that make up a big part of who I am- and who I am is deeply ingrained into every piece I have created.

Thank you for taking a look at rebeccamedranojewelry.com! It really does mean a lot to me to have your support. Thank you!!

Love Love Love,
Rebecca Gabriella Medrano