We were lucky to catch up with Beth Gatza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Beth, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Once upon a time, I was a young artist immersed in the whirlwind of the film industry’s art department. The world of filmmaking held an undeniable allure—living out of a suitcase, traveling abroad, and always facing new projects and challenges. However, beneath its surface, a sense of unease grew. Health issues, financial woes, and the relentless demands of the job cast a heavy shadow over my path and forced me to summon the courage for a pivotal change.

So, I took a leap of faith and stepped away from the world of filmmaking.

For the next five years, I navigated the realm of a desk job at a prestigious private school. It was not the kind of change I was expecting, but I was grateful for the steady income and the new friendships I made (including my future husband). During this time, I humbly learned the intricacies and backend of the high standards of the private educational system. With not much to do in my free time, I poured my heart and countless hours into mastering portrait painting and finding a style that I felt proud of.

Slowly but surely, my dedication paid off. My portraits gained recognition, and I was offered a job as an art teacher at another prestigious private school. There, I spent the next five years humbly learning the intricacies of teaching art in an environment of high standards. I grew in my art, my career, and in my family, as I married my best friend and later gave birth to my daughter. Everything felt settled. But life had more challenges in store for me. The COVID pandemic hit, and I had to pivot once again.

At this juncture, I faced a life-altering choice: to cling to the security of a stable job, along with the prestige this job brought, while continuing to nurture my blossoming career as an art teacher, or to embrace the profound journey of motherhood while venturing into the independent art world. This decision called for unwavering trust in my instincts and a fearless embrace of an uncertain future. Ultimately, I decided to trust my instincts and take the riskier path, one where I could nurture motherhood, art, and the new and unknown craft of online course creation.

Three years later, I am still diligently building an ever-changing and growing business that challenges me every single day. Most people will never see or understand the work and dedication put into my business, and most people don’t understand this leap I took (and probably never will). But, I absolutely love what I am doing, I love having creative freedom, and I love helping others. The very best part of taking the risk? I get to be a firsthand witness to my daughter’s growth and development, and now, with another baby on the way, I know that I have still made the right choice.

Beth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Beth Gatza, a portrait painter and art educator with a journey woven from the threads of filmmaking, education, and fine art. What began in the dynamic world of the film industry’s art department led me to my true calling—a fusion of art and education.

My brand, Beth Gatza Art, is a culmination of passion and purpose. Through online art courses, books, and resources, I empower budding artists to master the art of portraiture. Beyond teaching techniques, I provide a roadmap that not only hones artistic skills but also equips artists with the confidence needed to flourish in the creative realm.

My journey is a story of embracing doubts and transforming them into fuel for creativity. I invite potential clients, followers, and artists to join me on this journey—a journey that revolves around self-belief, artistic growth, and the creation of a legacy that resonates with courage and creativity.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For the longest time, I held onto the misconception that being an artist was a solitary pursuit—an endeavor centered solely around personal development and self-expression. In my mind, the canvas was my private canvas, and the journey of creation was a solo one. However, life has a beautiful way of unraveling our preconceived notions, and it was through my experiences as an artist, educator, and mother that I was presented with a transformative lesson.

As I immersed myself in teaching and guiding budding artists, I began to see that the essence of art goes beyond the boundaries of individual canvases. It’s not just about honing my skills; it’s about fostering a community, sharing knowledge, and kindling creative sparks in others. Through this process, I realized that art takes on a new dimension when shared. The act of helping others find their artistic voices became a mirror that reflected back the beauty of the world and the vitality of my own work.

Simultaneously, my journey into motherhood provided yet another facet of this profound lesson. Just as I nurtured artistic growth in others, I nurtured the growth of my child, fostering her unique voice and witnessing her blossoming journeys. Through teaching and motherhood, I saw how the energy I poured into guiding others reverberated back, enriching my perspective and rejuvenating my own artistic endeavors. It’s a cyclical dance, where the more we help, the more we receive.

Ultimately, the myth of the solitary artist has been debunked in my life’s narrative. Art, at its core, is a gift that flourishes when shared—a force that blooms when we help others find their creative voice. This realization, combined with the lessons of motherhood, has redefined my approach to not only my art but also to life—a testament to the beauty that emerges when we weave our stories together.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In my world, creating is as natural as breathing. It’s not a decision I consciously make—it’s woven into the fabric of my life. I don’t wake up thinking, “I need to create today”; it’s more like waking up with the sun, an instinctual part of my existence.

For me, my canvas isn’t just a surface to paint on; it’s a space to learn and explore. Art isn’t something static; it’s a journey of discovery. I’m always curious, and eager to try new techniques, make a new film, play with my daughter, and see what emerges. Every “stroke” is a chance to learn and grow, and that’s what keeps me going.

Some might call my goals ambitious, but honestly, I’m just doing what feels right. I’m not chasing trends or trying to impress anyone. I wake up each day with an itch to create, a feeling that’s impossible to ignore. It’s not about being “too much”; it’s about staying true to what I love and what brings me joy.

In a world where everything can get complicated, creating is my simple joy. It’s not fancy or pretentious—it’s just a part of who I am, an unstoppable current that guides my days and shapes my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bethgatza.com & www.bethgatzaclasses.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/bethgatza.art
• Facebook: facebook.com/bethgatza.artist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/bethgatzaart
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/shop/bethgatza.art