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Berkowitz returned to the United States to attend art school at UCLA and has lived in Los Angeles ever since. But even before attending college, she had a powerful West Coast connection in her grandparents, who live in San Diego and whom she visited nearly every summer while growing up. As a result, Berkowitz is familiar with most of the beaches between Carlsbad and Coronado, as well as the vast array of museums that grace Balboa Park. She created a significant body of work during her isolation in France, and since returning she has spent considerable effort finding the right place to display her most recent pieces, which include a series of large, abstract, mixed media paintings that will be on display beginning February 1 at San Diego's Pacific Beach/ Taylor Branch Library Gallery. "e space was very captivating for me, especially the light, which changes throughout the day, highlighting the work in different ways," says Berkowitz, who despite her primary focus on painting and photography has always maintained an interest in sculpture, which is evident in the way she uses paint. "I really enjoy the art scene in San Diego. It's part of the sense of community," she says. "People are open to discovering new ways to look at art, which is meaningful to me. It's important that there are artists who create serious, even disturbing political art. But I want to reach people who view artwork as a meditation, as a way to be at peace, especially in their homes." Some of the inspiration for Berkowitz's latest paintings comes from her experiences working with interior design firms, which she believes don't always care about the art or artist. "But then I thought, that's really significant," explains Berkowitz. "A piece of artwork going with a piece of furniture to create a sense of peace and calming — that's extremely valuable. It's also a way to bridge the gap between design and fine art." e result is a group of works created specifically to become more and more cherished the longer they are enjoyed. An opening reception is set to take place on February 4 with musical performances at the gallery from 3 to 5:30pm. rachelberkowitzart.com/newsletter OPPOSITE Rachel Berkowitz LEFT Desolate Desire RIGHT Seductive Runyon BELOW Biophilic Harmonies #1 @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2023 77