Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastessia Bettas
Hi Anastessia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Thank you for the interest in my work and featuring me again. I retired from the dot com world and decided to attend art school to fulfill a lifelong goal. After graduating from art school I came full circle and have shown my work in over sixty juried exhibitions; I’ve been featured in magazines and one of my paintings was purchased from the Petroff Gallery and appeared in an Adam Sandler movie. Since my last Canvas Rebel interview, I had an exhibition at Galerie St. Laurent + Hill with my Rewilding series. My art career has allowed me to explore my passion for creativity and expressiveness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Instagram didn’t exist when I was in art school so it wasn’t as easy to promote yourself back then. Most artists focused on local art fairs and collectives. I started showing my work in artist run galleries, art fairs and then moved into commercial galleries. I’ve juggled my art career in between raising a family and renovating several homes. Staying positive, committed to continuous learning and feeling grateful are the keys to my success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While all of my abstract work is inspired by natural and urban landscapes, my “Rewilding” series is specifically influenced by the global initiative to restore and conserve the world’s ecosystems such as wetlands, meadows and woodlands. I use my signature grid based motifs to dissect and reassemble these landscapes. This allows me to explore the intricate patterns and relationships found within ecosystems and abstractly capture the essence of the terrains. I use lines, organic and structural shapes to create movement and offer paths for the viewer to enter and engage with the pictorial space. The work evokes topographical and map elements of forested valleys, mountain views, rolling plains and lakes.
I research geographical areas that are experimenting with rewilding; most notably in Canada, the USA (particularly in the Western and Midwest states), and the UK. I draw inspiration from the colors, forms, and the rich textures found here, translating these elements into abstract compositions that evoke feelings of hope and interconnectedness with nature. I hope this unique series fosters a sense of community and shared appreciation among art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and environmental advocates.
What matters most to you? Why?
I hope to connect with viewers who share my reverence for nature. The concept of regenerating and healing nature ignites a sense of hope within me and it symbolizes the possibility of healing not only for the Earth but also for ourselves as individuals and communities. It’s in this delicate interplay between aesthetics and advocacy that I find my inspiration, hoping to inspire others to feel and appreciate the transformative power of nature. My goal is to create paintings that not only spark curiosity and contemplation but also encourage viewers to engage with and protect their local environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anastessiabettas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastessia_bettas_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnastessiaBettas/
Image Credits
1. “Heartland Trails” 48″x48″ encaustic on panel 2024
2. “Heartland Trails II” 48″x48″ encaustic on panel 2024
3. “Mountain Woodlands” 48″x48″ encaustic on panel 2024
4. “Big Creek” 48″x48″ encaustic on panel 2024
5. Anastessia Bettas in the studio