Interconnection, Education and Art: Monica Beck

By Bianca Dunn

Here, artist and SVACE student Monica Beck shares the inspiration behind her art practice and community work. Beck is a cellist, writer, illustrator, designer, painter, teacher and community organizer based in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. She believes that “art is art”— whatever the form—and each discipline informs and nurtures the others. In all of her work, she aims to bring compassion, respect and honor to others.

Artist Monica Beck

Could you describe your art practice and your community work?

My personal practice and community practice are intertwined, but [they] are very different. What has taught me the most on how to approach a daily practice is [a] classical-music work ethic—in my case, cello practice. My cello practice translates into my writing and visual art because it has taught me discipline, dedication and routine. Community work is the social part of my art. Every artist has to do hours of personal development, but, eventually, we socialize our work through exhibition, performance and publishing. In this way, we build bridges of communication, and we create bonds that can guide others toward artistic expression. I believe that art is at the service of society, and the best way I can use my time is to help others grow and become the best versions of themselves.

Can you say more about your work as a volunteer art teacher?

I volunteer with a nonprofit called Fundación Valle La Paz that provides resources for schools to have art and music lessons. Every week, two music teachers and I drive to a town in the mountains near Valle de Bravo called Mesa Rica. We teach the children basic drawing and watercolor skills, and we provide a safe place for free expression, self-discovery and the construction of community values. My class is about finding silence to see inside, learning to respect others’ work, practicing the wonderful act of image making and finding pride in who we are.

To learn more about Fundación Valle La Paz, visit https://vallelapaz.org/.

Students show their paintings in watercolor class in Mesa Rica, Estado de México, 2023.

Monica Beck playing cello at Losar Concert, 2023.

Students show their paintings in watercolor class in Mesa Rica, Estado de México, 2023.

Student shows his painting in watercolor class in Mesa Rica, Estado de México, 2023.