Today we’d like to introduce you to Rattlesnake Betty.
Rattlesnake, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, making art on the back porch with my mom. We’d use whatever we had on hand—magazines, glue, glitter—and I loved how those simple projects turned into something meaningful. That joy of creating never left me.
As I got older, life took me to Memphis, where I embraced the name Rattlesnake Betty. For me, it’s more than a name—it’s a persona that mixes grit with glamour, a little bite with a lot of sparkle. Over time, I started showing my work at festivals, galleries, and local markets, and I was blown away by how much people connected with my pieces.
My journey hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been about saying yes to opportunities, experimenting with new materials, and trusting my instincts. What started as a hobby has grown into something much bigger: a way of telling stories, honoring my roots, and connecting with people through art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles for me has been simply learning the ropes of being an artist outside of the studio. When I first started setting up at festivals, I had no idea how much went into it—from tents and tables to display stands, signage, and pricing. There’s a real learning curve in figuring out how to present your work so that people can connect with it in a crowded, outdoor space.
On the creative side, materials like resin have also challenged me. It’s a tricky medium—you have to learn about curing times, ventilation, and how to handle mistakes. There were definitely pieces that didn’t turn out how I hoped. But each struggle has pushed me to grow. Every failed pour or tough festival setup has taught me something new, and over time those lessons have become part of what makes me more confident and resilient as an artist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My name is Ali Hewer. I’m a teacher by day and a full-time dreamer/artist on nights and weekends. My alter ego is Rattlesnake Betty—a name that blends grit and glamour. “Rattlesnake” speaks to resilience and edge, while “Betty” adds a touch of femininity, humor, and heart. Together, it captures the spirit of my work: bold, sparkly, and deeply rooted in storytelling. I’m a mixed-media artist who loves layering glitter, resin, collage, and found objects to create pieces that tell stories. Much of my work is inspired by Southern culture, family history, and pop culture icons like Dolly Parton and Elvis. I like to mix the sentimental with the playful—one piece might honor my grandmother as the family matriarch, while another celebrates self-care with a glitter-covered ice cream sundae.
As a teacher, I spend my days encouraging creativity in my students, and I carry that same spirit into my art practice. I think I’m most proud of how people connect with my pieces. I’ve had strangers tell me a work reminded them of their own grandmother, or that a bright, glittery piece made them feel joy on a hard day. That kind of connection means everything to me.
What sets me apart is that I’m not afraid of sparkle or storytelling. My work doesn’t shy away from being bold, quirky, or emotional. Rattlesnake Betty is about celebrating beauty in unexpected places and creating art that feels alive with memory, humor, and heart.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from trial and error. Whether it’s learning how to use resin, figuring out how to set up at a festival, or navigating the business side of art, I’ve had to accept that mistakes are part of the process. Instead of being setbacks, those challenges have taught me resilience and flexibility. Always keep trying. If there is something that you want to do…. go do it! If you want be an artist… go make some art!
I’ve also learned that people connect with authenticity. When I create from a place that’s true to my story—whether it’s honoring my family roots, celebrating Southern culture, or just adding unapologetic glitter—people respond. That reminder to stay true to myself, even when it’s hard, has been the most valuable lesson along the way.
I personally couldn’t do this without the help and support of my friends and family. I am especially grateful for my husband, Jason Hewer that builds my frames and travels with me to different festivals and helps me setup.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rattlesnakebetty.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rattlesnake_betty
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/rattlesnake_betty
