This is a painting that I did/finished for the group exhibition at Brews in June 2025. I started this painting in 2022, for myself, and ended up setting it aside for several years. I like for my paintings to tell a story, and I was very lost on what story this one needed to tell. So over the past several years, I’d paint a little bit here and there on this gigantic canvas….little pink flowers everywhere, still with no end or story in sight. Whenever I was asked to be a part of the Everything Old is New show, I looked around and just wasn’t happy enough with my old works to show to anyone. I was stretched on time so I couldnt start something new, so I decided to finally finish my pink trees.

 

 

 

Last year, I got into the band Sleep Token. Over time, I fell in love with the band’s lore and look. I listen to them when I paint, when I work, while I drive, while I clean the house…. Obsessively so. And apparently, when I obsess over something, I end up needing to paint it. This is where the idea of how to complete the story of my painting really came into effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sleep Token’s new album features a black flamingo (Jerry) standing in the middle of pink trees and bushes. When I saw this album cover, I knew Jerry was what I needed to complete this piece.

 

 

“Emergence” by Rebecca Epp

Introducing my painting “Emergence”, yes, named after the Sleep Token song “Emergence” because I listened to that song on repeat while I finished this painting. Part of me still thinks I need to add Vessel or at least a mask into this somewhere. Oddly enough, the dark figure in my Eternal painting, which goes along with this piece, resembles Vessel from the back, and I painted it over 2 years before I had ever heard of Sleep Token…so maybe Sleep has visited me as well….

I also realize that the background city is not on theme with the Sleep Token lore, which takes place in a more Roman Empire-style area. I actually started painting this because I am obsessed with the video game Genshin Impact and its gorgeous Oriental backgrounds. This is why the city in the background is oriental, and what the painting originally started as. I love cherry blossom trees and wanted to recreate their beauty.

 

 

(Info from Brews and John Rankine’s post)

Brews is proud to present “Everything Old Is New Again”, a new group exhibition showcasing over 50 local artists, opening Wednesday, June 18, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m.

Artists were invited to dust off the hidden gems—older works they’ve held onto, loved, but never sold. These are pieces that may not have had their moment in the spotlight until now. Whether kept private or simply overlooked, each artwork is getting a second chance to shine—and maybe even find a new home.

Come celebrate forgotten favorites and fresh eyes.

NOTE: I own all designs, images, and intellectual property rights reserved.
Copyright © Rebecca Epp and The Steampunk Buddha 2014-Present.
Use of these images and designs is prohibited.