By Mimi Pollack
Becky Guttin is a diminutive woman with a large presence in art. She is a whirlwind of energy and creativity who sees art where others might not. She is known for collecting all kinds of discarded objects and giving them new life in her studio in Miramar.
She is also an international artist with permanent collections in Israel, Mexico, South Korea, Malaysia, Austria, India, and in various cities in the United States. Always on the cutting edge, she has an exhibit now in up-and-coming Barrio Logan.
Besides the pieces exhibited on the walls, there is also a display case with key chains for sale. Guttin worked for hours crafting her pieces, and has a fascination with materials, wanting to draw contrasts between organic and industrial matter, creating work that is open to interpretation.
One viewer asked me if I could see the shape of South America in one of the pieces. She also saw different heads and figures in another piece. A delighted Guttin said that the purpose of her work is for each person to see their own interpretation.
Guttin is a woman of contradictions, like most good artists. She is a conservative Jew and devoted mother to her three children and one granddaughter. On the other hand, she is well known in the local bohemian artist world and sports intricate tattoos on her hands and arms.
The gallery is open from Wednesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the show runs through Sept. 23.