We recently connected with Beth Winterburn and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Beth, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
After working professionally as an artist for 8 years, I’ve learned that resting, sitting and just being are equally as important to an art practice as creating the work. For me, time is precious currency. Rather than squeezing everything out of it like a scarce resource, I try to find ways to allow myself to embrace a pace that leads to a thriving practice rather than survival mode. Our modern pace isn’t one that celebrates slowness – taking time to develop an idea, fail, start over and try again. Artists are expected to churn out work like a factory, and that simply doesn’t allow for growth as an artist. And so, I take my time. I try to shut out the voices that tell me to hurry. I try to look ahead into the future and give myself ample space to experiment. It take walks. I do yoga. I turn off the noise. I read a lot. For me, the act of making ebbs and flows. There may be days, weeks, months, where I don’t pick up a paintbrush, but all of that time is spent subconsciously collecting, preparing for the next jolt of creativity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an abstract painter, working primarily with inks and acrylics. My work tells a story of interpersonal dynamics in color, shape, line and texture. I utilize my materials to create a record of memories as well as a journal of future aspirations. My own journey consisting of hills and valleys, I desire to display a tension of longing, acceptance, conflict and serenity in my work. I see my work as a language that speaks on my behalf, communicating a history and present reality of the complexities of human relationships. My desire to influence the future with transparency and vulnerability lends to my efforts to leave many of my marks and paint strokes to themselves, allowing and encouraging them to speak. I use line and color to bring cohesion and connectivity to seemingly unrelated gestures. I’m highly motivated by process and often find it difficult to get to the end of a piece. My interest lies more in the collected moments that lead to an end, much as in relationships that evolve over time.
My work has been featured on HGTV’s Property Brothers and in such print publications as The Koronette, Fanique Magazine, Maker’s Movement, At Home Memphis & Mid-South as well as in various online publications including Orlando Soria, I AM THE LAB and Style Blueprint. I’ve worked with various designers throughout the U.S. including Reagan Hayes, Julie Couch, Lori Paranjape, Sabbe Interior Design, Lindsey Black Interiors and more. I’ve participated in various shows throughout the south including The Beacham Art Series, ArtsMemphis: Unfolding – The Next Chapter in Memphis, Four Knowledge II – Crosstown Arts, Young Collectors Contemporary and various other markets across the midsouth.
My work has been sold at Anthropologie.com, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Arhaus, Wonderwall Studio and via such online galleries as Singulart.com. I’ve also sold internationally via Zeuxis Art in Paris, France.
My work has been shipped all over the world. My work is also featured locally in Memphis at Catherine & Mary’s and River Oaks Restaurant.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think it’s very important just to observe – keep your eyes open to the world around you. Take in the pieces that resonate and then experiment. Through that process, you’ll develop your own voice. Make room for lots of mistakes. They lead to the biggest victories.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Life has been extremely challenging for the past year personally. It’s been full of grief, change and loss. For some, such things being about a vibrant practice, and that has been true for me at other times. But this time, I’ve needed to take much longer breaks to give myself time to be in the moment and place my energy elsewhere. Even so, doing small, attainable tasks has helped keep me in the studio. I’ve found much smaller goals to set to keep from completely stalling out – practices that are therapeutic rather than enormous goals. I feel myself slowly coming back to normal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bethwinterburn.com
- Instagram: @beth_winterburn
- Twitter: @beth_winterburn
Image Credits
Ashleigh Coleman Photography
