"Cosmic Compost" by Rachel Z. Becker
“For me, making art from the strange scraps I find is my way of making peace with the human phenomenon of “trash”, the limits of what I can and can’t control, and the persistence of loss.”
Thank you, Sponsor!
This exhibition is generously sponsored by Orchard Creek Ranch.
Orchard Creek Ranch is a 95 year-old organically maintained “you pick” apple orchard offering 3 apple varieties, plus certified premium hemp products and additional offerings.
Learn more at orchardcreekranch.com.
Carbondale Arts presents “Cosmic Compost” a solo exhibition by mixed media artist Rachel Z. Becker at the Carbondale Arts Gallery on display February 28 - April 4, 2025. The opening reception will take place Friday, February 28, from 5-7pm at The Launchpad, with an artist talk at 5:30pm.
“Where the Wild Things Live” a solo show by Kirstie Steiner will run concurrently (February 28 - April 4) in the first gallery space.
“Cosmic Compost” is an experiment in honoring and acknowledging decomposition as an essential process in the continuation of life. Using both organic and manufactured materials that have been gathered, scavenged, and arranged in new contexts, the artworks explore the ephemerality of the material world and the fabric into which it is woven — built to change, and embedded with potential.
From the artist:
The artworks in this show are made from discarded fragments I’ve found while wandering down alleyways, or untangled from rocks & branches in the river, or spotted while driving down the highway. I stopped to gather them up because they were beautiful or compelling to me in some way, and have a story to tell about the world they come from — a world that is steadily, relentlessly transforming itself. Growing and unfurling and adapting until it’s time again to break down in order to be remade.
Rachel Z. Becker, mixed media artist
Silt, Colorado
Rachel Zetah Becker is a student of slowness, grief, joy, and mystery, and a devoted admirer of compost. She received a BFA in graphic design from Chapman University in 2014, and spent many years moving things around on a computer screen. She has since branched out into working in farming and food systems, community organizing, interfaith ministry, and end-of-life/death care + education.
She lives in her hometown of Silt and enjoys costume dance parties, sharing meals with friends, and finding a good rock to sit on, preferably in the sun.
Learn more about Rachel at rachelzbecker.com.