In my most recent studio work, I explore the human relationship to identity which has become a way for me to explore my own identity. Each piece features a single woman in a strong pose surrounded by and interacting with elements that appear to be collage. I think of these women as representations of facets of me. The pieces include natural elements like flowers as well as graffiti and sticker art reminiscent of cityscapes. I like to utilize the idea of contemporary iconography which I interpret through a unique method of painting—one that combines an academic approach to the figure, natural objects, graffiti, collage, and print. I strive to also create a representation of the electricity and frenetic movement that one experiences interacting with the everyday urban environment through the use of bright colors, lively brush-strokes, and playing with the picture plane.
Of course I enjoy the immediacy of plein air. Painting outside forces you out of your comfort zone. Decisions are experimental or instinctual. Some of my favorite plein air subjects to paint are objects and scenes that are often overlooked. I find beauty in the ugly and the mundane. Nothing invigorates me quite like creating a beautiful painting of a strip mall or a rusted garbage can. To me, that is the poetry of paint. It also represents the metaphor of painting- taking dirt (pigment) and mixing it with a polymer to apply to a surface to make an image is a type of alchemy. The process is magical and transcendental. I aim to encourage the viewer to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to enjoy life with curiosity and the pleasure of looking.
About the Artist
Beth-Ann Wilson (American, b. Copiague, NY 1983, lives and works in Baltimore, MD) received her BFA in Painting from Maryland Institute College of Art (2005). Wilson is an award-winning artist, gallery owner, entrepreneur, educator, and community organizer. Her art focuses on expressive painted portraits suffused with colorful abstractions as well as energetic landscapes and cityscapes (painted both in the studio and en plein air) inspired by the places she has traveled to and explored. Owning and operating Night Owl Gallery, a brick-and-mortar artist-run exhibition space in Baltimore, MD, has allowed her to work on projects that bring together the community, foster creativity, and nurture artists from underserved demographics. She teaches Creative Entrepreneurship at Maryland Institute College of Art. When not working, Wilson enjoys outdoor adventures- particularly backpacking, vegan cooking, listening to audiobooks, an early afternoon IPA in a dive bar, and spending time with her husband and 2 dogs.BETH-ANN WILSON website Portfolio BETH-ANN WILSON website Night Owl Gallery BETH-ANN WILSON website More Links
Featured Work
Photos
Featured Work: Photos
Hu$$$tle and Flow
Four Roses
Disco Kitten
Booking
Booking Price: $1,001-$2,000