Artist Spotlight: Rhonda McMillan

Rhonda McMillan is an artist who uses natural elements to bring her vision, and other people’s visions, to life. What began as a hobby has now developed into a unique and beautiful artform that she creates to “bring happiness, creativity, and inspiration into other’s homes!” While living in California, Lake Erie and the Nimisila Reservoir, Rhonda has collected elements such as rocks, pebbles, stones, beach glass, pottery shards and driftwood for her art. She offers a wide collection of pieces on her Etsy store here. 

Rhonda began creating art during the COVID-19 pandemic after being laid off from her job. “It wasn't until my childhood best friend Robbi suggested continuing with my art during this stressful time. I've been working on my craft ever since. Evolving, designing, adding new elements such as driftwood, twigs, sea glass, pottery shards, pebbles, and fused glass. I will continue to find new ways to capture hope and the beauty of life that is all around us."

"Gentle Butterfly" by Rhonda McMillan. Crafted using sea glass and sea pottery on a 5x7 mat board.

Rhonda loves being an artist in that it enables her to create emotions using natural materials, and one of her favorite pieces she has created is “Pottery shards found along Lake Erie turned into tiny primitive cups. Life imitating previous life through art.” You can find the piece here. When she is painting, Rhonda enjoys abstract art. “When painting my favorite subject is abstract.  Birds and flowers capture my attention too.”

"Sailing" by Rhonda McMillan. Crafted using broken ceramic shards on a 8x10 mat board.

When looking for inspiration, Rhonda finds it in her husband and her best friend Robbi. She encourages aspiring artists to “capture and give from the heart.”

Rhonda found Golden State Art through Amazon and has become a lifetime client. “I use only Golden State Art matts and boards.  After trying them once I knew I would become a forever customer.  When you buy a package, you get everything you need to complete an art project.

Rhonda’s new piece entitled “The Nightmare Before Christmas – “Jack” – Tim Burton wall art” is a one-of-kind piece that uses pottery shards from Hilo, Hawaii found after Hurricane Douglas. It is matted and framed, and available on her Etsy.com store here.

View more of Rhonda's artwork below, and visit her Etsy store to view and purchase more! You can also connect with her on Instagram @the_abstract_pebble, and Facebook @theabstractpebble.