About Rebecca: A Life in Color and Creativity
I like to think of myself as “semi-retired.” Not fully retired — that feels too still, too final. Instead, I’m in a season of life where I can choose the projects and passions that bring me the most joy.
What excites me most these days is creativity — not just my own, but seeing it spark and flourish in others. I’ve always thrived as part of a team, working toward goals that feel bigger than myself. There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from creating something together.
Growing Up Free in the Bay Area
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I had the kind of childhood you don’t see as much anymore. My parents weren’t “helicopter parents,” so I roamed freely — bicycling, bussing, and walking everywhere from San Francisco to Fremont. It gave me a sense of independence and curiosity that shaped who I am today.
My education carried me through Oakland, Castro Valley, and Hayward, and eventually Mills College in Oakland, where I earned a BA in Art. At first, that degree didn’t feel particularly practical — it didn’t land me a job right out of school. But eventually, it became the foundation for everything I’ve done since.
From Exacto Knives to Macs
My first steps into the professional world were in graphic design, working in the health field with the tools of the time: exacto knives, wax, and layout boards. It was meticulous, hands-on work that taught me discipline and precision.
Thanks go to Maria Soto, my friend and excellent photographer. She has a way of capturing me at my best! I am also featured in her book Artful Journeys.
When desktop publishing arrived, I was thrilled. I jumped in, learning on the job at local quick-copy shops before buying my first Mac. It was a revelation — suddenly, the process of creating was faster, more flexible, and endlessly exciting. That leap in technology came at just the right time, especially as I took on producing a quarterly magazine.
A Lifelong Journey with Art
Art has always been the throughline of my life. In college, I explored printmaking, sculpture, painting, and ceramics. Later, I experimented with silk-screening, developing repeating patterns and surface designs on cotton, silk, rayon, and wool. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in stained glass, mosaic, quilting, and more.
No matter the medium, one thing ties it all together: color. I love experimenting with it — playing with contrasts, layering textures, and finding unexpected combinations. These days, I’ve settled mostly into polymer clay, creating jewelry, trinkets, and more for Persimmon Art Gallery in Auburn, CA.
Roots, Travel, and Family
My roots are a blend of Europe and the Southwest. I often describe myself as a “mutt” or “genízaro,” and perhaps that’s why I feel such a strong pull to the Southwest. I make a trip there almost every year, drawn by the land, the culture, and the artists who call it home. My favorite way to travel is slow — staying in one place long enough to soak in the vibe and build real connections with people.
Family has always been important to me — not just my immediate family, but also my extended roots. Reconnecting with cousins and keeping those ties strong brings me joy.
Life in Motion
In earlier years, I loved slightly daring sports — skiing, rafting, even jumping off bridges for the thrill of it. These days I’ve slowed down a bit (bones are more breakable now!), but I still carry that adventurous spirit with me in other ways.
Semi-retired or not, I’m far from still. I’m living a life of color, texture, and connection — always learning, always creating, and always finding beauty in the process.
Are you wondering what my “chop” means?
Well, in New Mexico there are many folks with the surname Martinez; so many that MTZ is the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department shorthand for Martinez. It feels good to be part of the MTZ tribe, so I am (Rebecca Dawn) RDMTZ. I’ve created my “chop” as something that’s more than just a tag — it’s a nod to heritage, identity, and community.
