Rachel bear chats with rebecca carter
Chelmsford’s resident creative, Rebecca, talks motherhood, all things spiritual and the importance of tapping into your artistic side with Rachel Bear.
Born and bred in Chelmsford, Rebecca is just one example of the creativity brimming within our city, if you look for it. As a spiritual guide, artist, poet and single mother, Rebecca’s innovative and inspiring work focuses on creation, emotional connection and inclusivity. Recently, Rebecca was commissioned to write ‘A Poem for Chelmsford’ by Chelmsford City Council. The resulting poem was released alongside a beautiful video celebrating the beauty of our city, and we have featured the poem on the opposite page in our ‘Hold My Beer’ section.
After a shared moment of admiration for Deaks’ house and (admittedly exceptional) fish tank, we began our conversation:
Rachel: You were born in Chelmsford. What was your experience growing up and living here, and how has this inspired your work and your creativity?
Rebecca: Growing up in Chelmsford, I found that there wasn’t a lot going on in terms of creativity - it just wasn’t there. This influenced me to make something happen and do it for myself, to be someone who provided the creativity that was missing, and that’s why I’m so proud to be self-made in terms of my business.
Rachel: So, if you could recommend one place to a Chelmsford newcomer, what would it be?
Rebecca: Graham’s house! But other than that, I would say Central Park is the place that is just quintessentially ‘Chelmsford’. Visiting there would allow you to see every angle of Chelmsford life.
Rachel: We have featured your ‘Poem for Chelmsford’ in Over the Edge, and you mentioned that you spoke to residents for some inspiration. Was there a standout place or person that inspired you?
Rebecca: Initially, I was met with a lot of negativity and moaning about parking when asking residents their thoughts on Chelmsford. But I was looking to find something good, and I would say that speaking to the Artists in the Meadows changed things for me, as they had so many positive things to share. I think that shows how having a sense of community with amazing makers and creators can really change your view of Chelmsford.
Rachel: What was your experience like being commissioned by Chelmsford City Council and creating the words and video for ‘A Poem for Chelmsford’?
Rebecca: I went through an application and interview process with a panel before I was chosen to write the poem. I viewed the project as a big learning experience for me, since a lot of my creative work is personal to me and about what I want to do, but for this I had to collaborate with the Council’s ideas on what they wanted me to do, and it was a very different way of working than what I was used to. I did find it challenging, and receiving criticism or negative feedback on your work can feel like a setback, but in the long run, it provided a really good learning opportunity for me. Overall, I was really happy with the final result of the poem and video. We had a great launch party to celebrate it!
Rachel: What would you say has been your favourite creative project?
Rebecca: My favourite would have to be my son! But my second favourite would be the poems that I write, just for me, with no expectation, that I don’t feel the need to share with anyone. The poems that you write and then revisit a few months or years down the line are just yours.
Rachel: I believe strongly in the power of creativity and expression through art or writing, and it has helped me a lot in my life. Do you feel it has done the same for you, and why did you choose to pursue this as a creative career?
Rebecca: I think I would be a really boring, underdeveloped person if I wasn’t creative! Pursuing this has made me discover a new side to myself - it’s fun, it makes you more resilient and more committed to your creations.
Rachel: Do you have any advice for others looking to pursue a similar creative path?
Rebecca: I would say the most important thing is to follow your own path and find your own way of doing things. It makes it more exciting, not just going down the beaten track, but being a pioneer.
Rachel: Moving on to spirituality and the sessions that you run. I personally believe, but people who have never tried anything spiritual before may be sceptical about it. How would you describe the sessions to someone who has never tried it before, and why would you recommend it?
Rebecca: I would recommend spirituality because it has changed how I relate to life, how capable I feel, and how I enjoy things. My 1:1 sessions are always different depending on the person and their journey. I don’t try to lead or focus on one way of doing things; it’s all about helping the individual find their own way. I focus on somatic feeling, slowing down and observing in order to help individuals process their emotions. Life often feels so busy, so just that opportunity to slow everything down can be really healing, but each session looks different for each person.
Rachel: You also run special women’s circles. Why do you feel it’s so important for women in particular to have safe communal spaces?
Rebecca: I think women and men process emotions very differently, and the need for an all-female community is really important for women to have.My circles bring together women of all different ages, with mothers and career women, to create a real sense of community. I’ve had women from 18 to 80 all in one session! I think these sessions can help women feel more comfortable with one another - we are so often pitted against each other, but I want to create a supportive space with no judgement or competition.
Rachel: You mention being a single mother on your website and social media, so of course that is a huge part of your life. How has being a mother inspired and influenced your work and your journey?
Rebecca: I became a mother at 22, a lot younger than most of my friends, so of course I’ve learnt a lot. For me, being a mother is really important and has been so fulfilling for me. My 3-year-old son often teaches me things about myself, and I believe that my creativity and spirituality have helped me to be a better mother and allowed me to relate and resonate with other parents who often face a lot of stress and pressure. It’s been so important for me to create a life that includes my son, not to have my work and personal life completely separate. I took him to a Council meeting once! I talk about my journey as a parent often, as I feel it’s important to make people in similar situations to me know that they don’t need to feel shame. My partner was arrested when my son was 3 weeks old, and has since been sentenced to 10 years suspended, and I went through a long family court battle to make sure my ex-partner had no contact with my son. I didn’t have a strong legal team like he did, so I had to really advocate for and believe in myself, which eventually paid off. This feeds into why I do what I do - I believe in the importance of women’s voices, of working through shame and stress as a collective and not hiding away emotions in difficult situations.
In Tune with Rebecca offers a range of services including 1:1 energetic developments, women’s circles and art and poetry commissions. Book now at intunewithrebecca.co.uk or follow at @intunewithrebecca on Instagram.