Rebecca Santry works primarily with acrylics on canvas and paper, creating abstract works that reflect the majestic beauty and layered landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Her artistic process is rooted in daily rituals spent in nature—absorbing its rhythm, textures, and ever-changing forms. These immersive experiences inform her work, where movement and depth converge to express the essence of the natural world around her.
Originally from the UK, Rebecca’s relocation to the Pacific Northwest marked a transformative shift in both lifestyle and perspective. The dramatic terrain of Squamish and beyond offered not just a breathtaking backdrop, but also a close-knit, outdoors-oriented community that quickly became home. This environment now serves as her deepest source of inspiration, fueling a practice that
celebrates connection to place, land, and experience.
Rebecca studied Art at Loughborough University, where she developed a strong foundation in composition and a love for hands-on creative exploration. From sketchbook studies to the layered application of paint, her work continues to be shaped by an intuitive process—blending structure with spontaneity and drawing on nature as both muse and medium.
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Which hood are you in?
I live and work in Squamish, British Columbia, a town surrounded by mountains, forest, and ocean. The access to nature here plays a big role in my creative process. I spend a lot of time outside—hiking, walking, or simply observing the landscape—and those daily experiences directly influence my work. The textures, colours, and movement I see in the natural environment often show up in my paintings in abstract form. Living in Squamish has also connected me with a community that values outdoor life and the surrounding landscape as much as I do. Being in the Pacific Northwest has changed the way I approach my art, giving me new inspiration and a stronger sense of place in my practice.
What do you do?
Each day, I start by spending time outdoors walking my dogs, exploring the forests, coastline, and mountains around Squamish. I also spend part of the year in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, where the ocean and rugged coastline offer a different kind of inspiration. When I’m not working on my art, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being active through mountain biking, trail running, surfing, and exploring the local mountains and coastline. These regular experiences in nature feed directly into my studio work. I use acrylics on canvas and paper to create abstract paintings that reflect the movement, texture, and energy of the landscapes I spend time in. The environments I move through not only shape what I see but also evoke a range of feelings: calm, awe, stillness, or energy, which I try to capture in my work. My process is intuitive and hands-on. I usually begin with quick sketches or studies, then build up layers of paint, colour, and mark-making. Staying connected to the land and sea keeps my work grounded, and each piece is a response to both the physical places and the emotions they stir.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a new series of work. The pieces draw on the idea of soft fascination, the quiet, effortless attention we experience in nature that allows the mind to rest and reset. Each piece is inspired by moments of stillness and subtle movement found in the natural world. Using a palette of earth tones and natural pigments, the work reflects the grounded, organic feeling of being immersed in the landscape. The collection explores how nature’s quieter details, textures, colours, and rhythms can evoke a deep sense of calm, connection, and restoration.
Where can we find your work?
You will find my work online at https://www.rebeccasantry.com/, and also a number of pieces displayed with The Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art and with Habit Trading.
I will be showcasing my new collection at the Interior Design Show in Vancouver, BC this coming September, so please come by and say hi and view some pieces in person.
