7 minute read
Meet the artist
Beth Horrocks is a Welsh contemporary landscape Meet the artist
artist. We find out just which North Wales locations make her tick…
Keen on challenging herself using the graphic pen and tablet, Beth utilises her skills gained after years of drawing logos as a graphic designer. Since 2018, Beth has gradually switched from a career in graphic design to being a full-time artist, stocking many galleries and shops in North Wales and as far afield as Dorset.
Re-discovering her enjoyment of art during an art workshop with her young kids, Beth spotted a call to artists poster to enter an open exhibition. In the little spare time she had (being mum of three under six years) Beth submitted some ideas she had been experimenting with and, to her delight, she received news that she had a successful submission! She went on to win first prize and sold her artwork on the opening evening. This is
Have you always wanted to be an artist? How did your style develop?
I’ve always known deep down that I wanted to be an artist yes, I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I thought I would have to wait until I was retired to pick up paint brushes again to develop a style, but as it turns out – my 17 years as a graphic designer was like my training to realise my own style. The graphic pen and tablet gives my work a contemporary feel, which has been received well up to now.
How does the way you work compare to how a traditional painter would work?
I used to paint, draw and montage a lot in sketchbooks, my father also painted landscapes in his early days although he
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chose to teach Geography and treated his blackboard as his canvas. Doing what I do isn’t too dissimilar to painting, you look at what it is you are drawing, you work on the composition, you choose your brush, lay the colours on your canvas the same way, sketch outlines with the graphic pen, choose colours and off you go! I think the biggest difference is you don’t get harsh chemicals on your hands, which used to play havoc with my eczema! And I must say it’s far more forgiving than paint and paper if you make mistakes, knowing I can get rid of things easily gives me freedom to make mistakes in the first place. If I don’t like something or realise I liked it better ten
minutes ago I can strip it back and start over again without damaging paper. Quite often though it’s these mistakes which I love and often leave, because they look unique to my art form, it’s the mistakes that keeps things interesting.
How does technology help?
I find the iPhone a brilliant tool, if I’m out and about with the
kids or out running and see something I like I’ll take a photo and store it until later, where I may or may not draw from. The iCloud is a brilliant thing! My husband laughs at the huge amount of photos I have in my iCloud. I’m sure back in the day artists such as Kyffin Williams would have relished the
usefulness of an iPhone to gather research, I’m sure of it! My husband also uses a drone for work which comes in handy for aerial shots, you can really get some exciting angles and access hard to reach spots.
Who inspired you?
My Dad was probably the first person to inspire me creatively,
he used to paint and was immensely talented, although he didn’t do anything with it – much to my frustration. Both my parents could draw beautifully, and I loved to watch the paper come alive as a child. Artists who have inspired me in particular are Dave White from Liverpool, I love how alive his drawings are. I’ve always been a huge fan of Kyffin Williams,
his ability to say so much with so little is outstanding. Another artist of interest is David Hockney, I love his graphical style and his recent digital art is larger than life! I feel somehow, he has validated this art form and paved the way for graphic artists such as myself, who often feel like they have something to prove.
You were keen on sketchbooks in the early days, do you still use them?
Being a mum and a full-time artist I don’t often have enough time to fill sketchbooks these days, although I have many
sketchbooks bursting with inspiration stacked on my bookshelves from a time less busy. I’m sure someday I’ll have the privilege of revisiting them. For now though I’m happy knowing my kids have their own sketchbooks to experiment in, I’m keen on passing on the importance of being visually aware and encourage them to do so. My daughter is forever doodling, making and cutting and collaging, she reminds me of myself as a child, she has the urge to create, it makes her tick.
What do you like about being an artist?
The thing I love most about being an artist is the freedom to draw whatever I like with no one to answer to. It’s fun! You can let go, listen to music and get lost in whatever it is you are drawing. It’s hugely rewarding to get paid for something you enjoy doing! I happen to live in such a stunning part of the world, I grew up here and feel incredibly lucky to live on the coast, not only do I have all the lovely beaches to draw, but I also have the gorgeous Eryri mountain range with all it’s lakes, rivers and waterfalls too. I love the outdoors and see my work as a celebration of Wales’ outstanding natural beauty. I have to admit it’s great being my own boss too! I like being in control. If I’ve had enough of being indoors and need inspiration, I’m free to do as I please.
How would you like the observer of your art to feel?
I hope the viewer of my artwork feels uplifted, I like to share that same feeling of calm I get from being outdoors in the countryside, whether it be on a run or a day out with the family. I want to share the love I have for where I live I think? I want to celebrate it and explore it in a contemporary way. If my work gives people joy, evokes happy memories and makes people feel good from looking at it then that’s good enough for me.
What advice would you give a youngster interested in art? Believe in yourself, learn through failures, don’t be afraid of making mistakes because quite often that is where the magic happens. Always look at what it is you are drawing, try not to get distracted, don’t get lazy! Always look. Learn to succeed
through trying again. Never give up on your dreams, it takes hard work, a lot of time and dedication.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m now on the lookout for studio space to work from as my home office is just too small. My kids are getting bigger and
we could do with an extra room! It would be great to have an open studio for people interested in what I do to come and visit and see my work, so if there’s anyone out there with a suitable space please get in touch! I’m going to continue developing my North Wales collection, currently looking towards Llandudno, Barmouth and I’m keen to explore Eryri further.
Where can we see your artwork?
During August I have an exhibition at Oriel Ger-Y-Fenai in Llanfair PG, Anglesey, which I’m really excited about! I’m also exhibiting two of my extra-large pieces at Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw’s annual summer exhibition, in Llanbedrog, where there will be mounted prints and other products available. n
You can keep up to date with Beth at www.bethhorrocks.com or follow her on Instagram #Horrocksbeth If you wish to be added to Beth’s mailing list for chances to purchase first editions or to be informed of new products, then contact Beth through her website. All of Beth’s work is displayed on her website: www.bethhorrocks.com
Or if you want to see it up close in the flesh then the following galleries stock her work:
Anglesey
Bay Tree Gallery - Unit 4, The Precinct, Station Road, Valley, Holyhead, Ynys Môn. LL65 3EB Oriel Ger Y Fenai - Holyhead Road, Llanfairpwll, Ynys Môn. LL61 5YQ Oriel Mon - Rhosmeirch, Llangefni, Ynys MÔn. LL77 7TQ Pip & Darcy - 2 Wall Street, Beaumaris, Ynys Môn. LL58 8BS
Llyn Peninsula
Oriel Tonnau - 21 Stryd Penlan, Pwllheli, Gwynedd. LL53 5DE
Castle Gallery - 1 Castle Street, Criccieth,
Gwynedd. LL52 0DY Oriel Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw - Glyn-Y-Weddw Estate, Llanbedrog, Gwynedd. LL53 7TT
Eryri / Snowdonia
Benards Gallery - 15 Queens Rd. Craig-Y-Don, Llandudno, Conwy. LL30 1AZ Galeri Betws-y-Coed - Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy. LL24 0BW
