Regine Bechtler began her career as a professional artist in the mid 1990s. She takes risks in her work, experimenting with the fundamentals of the ranges of emotions through a variety of mediums. Her work varies as much the venues they have appeared in—from sculpture in the Portland Art Museum to commissioned paintings in Charlotte’s “The House of Jazz”. Mrs. Bechtler’s paintings have been featured on Fox TV, the Style Network on Food Network, the Charlotte Observer, Spotlight Magazine and the Charlotte Official Visitors Guide. Her latest works have been her very popular “Peace Jacket” wearable art designs featured at the 2013 Passport for Fashion Show in Charlotte, NC.
German born and bi-lingual, she was influenced at a young age by her artist grandfather who taught her how to view the world through creative lenses, shaping her unique style and vision. Her travels to Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, France and South America were also highly influential. Regine shared her love of art with students by teaching in Portland, Oregon where she created a sculpture that won the highest honors for the Oregon school district. She has frequent art shows in Germany, France, Ecuador and in USA resulting in its purchase for private collections in each country.
The Peace Jackets were an idea Regine came up with by combining art with world peace and environmental conservation. “I chose military jackets as my main medium because I wanted to use the peace /piece pun. These jackets with their diverse parts of fabric bring across the peaceful message of constant freedom in art. I buy the jackets from military surplus stores and then decorate them with fabric swatches, paint, beads, little gems and vintage and new patches.”
Each jacket is unique, original and is carrying a certain message. The jackets originate from a variety of countries in hope that someday it will not be necessary for people to fight and kill because their opponents march under the wrong flag.
“Four Magazine” article about fashion designer Regine Bechtler
