Get to know Beth

Hi Beth, tell me a little about your background and interests.

My name is Beth Consetta Rubel and I’m a visual artist from Austin, Texas currently residing in Sacramento. I enjoy traveling, exploring art museums and have a French bulldog named Suge.

When did your journey in art begin? What/who inspired you to become an artist?

I wanted to be an artist since I was a young child. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, I discovered creating artwork allowed me the opportunity to express myself without a voice. Art is the universal language and vehicle to communicate to the masses.

What is your preferred medium of art? What attracted you to that style?

Mixed media. When I was younger, I always used whatever supplies I had to create artwork despite insufficient funds. Especially fond of drawing mediums such as, colored pencils, markers, ink and gouache paint. How did you get into large scale mural art?

Honestly, I love challenging myself and learning new techniques. My first mural was at age 15 at the Family Crisis Center for Women and Children in Bastrop, Texas. I painted tranquil garden scenes in the therapy rooms. Despite being unable to help the families coming in for support, that experience raised my awareness on the powerful impact art can have on the public and fueled my desire to continue mural painting.

When creating a new piece or mural what does your creative routine/process look like?

Research! Pages and pages of notes and streams of thought. I definitely spend more time researching and understanding the subject I’m painting versus the technical execution.

Other than art what else captures your attention/interests? Is it a special cause, another form of creativity, or something else altogether?

In addition to art, I have a mild obsession with house plants and gardening.

Congratulations on being a recipient of The Black Artists Foundry award. How has winning the award helped further your creative endeavors?

I’m incredibly grateful for being a recipient of the BAF award. The funds have helped lay the foundation for a new body of work that requires researching my family lineage In Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Melanated people have accomplished so in the past, what’s a moment in Black History that you wholeheartedly love?

President Obama being elected is something that motivates and empowers me to never give up. I never thought I’d witness that in my lifetime. Incredible!

What advice would you give to a new artist based on your own personal experiences?

Collaborate and learn from others to help you grow your skill set and network.

As of lately, have you had any successful breakthroughs?

The momentum is there and I’m grateful and blessed to get paid to do what I love! I’ve had the opportunity to travel the country more for my artwork and hope to continue doing so.

What has been your proudest moment as an artist?

My proudest moment as an artist so far is, completing the Northgate Blvd mural. I’m stronger emotionally more than ever after that experience. There was protest that attempted to cancel the city mural project because I’m not of Latin descent…… it was truly disheartening, however I didn’t back down and am incredibly proud of the hard work my team and I put into creating this legacy mural for Gardenland featuring local high school folklorico dancers.

What key lessons did you learn last year that you’ve implemented this year in 2023?

Last year was challenging in reference to racial tensions on a mural project I painted…. I learned to stand my ground, stay authentic, and am proud of myself for not giving up. The key lesson is to stay true to your beliefs and values and never cosign something you believe is wrong. We all have a difference of opinions and experiences, however I truly believe we have more in common with each other than not…..

What is your mantra for 2023?

“I am divinely guided in all that I do.” “I am tenacious.” “Doors of opportunity are open to me now.” “I am allowing myself to be great.”

Any final thoughts before we wrap it up?

Thank you for sharing my work!