Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beth Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Beth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I can’t imagine doing anything else. Art is my life and my routine. I was on an art scholarship in college when I became concerned about my ability to earn a living as an artist and I switched my major to art education. I regret having done that. It wasn’t until after tragic personal events in midlife that I decided to pursue a full-time career as an artist. It wasn’t with the intent of art for profit, it was just something I felt I had to do. At that point, I was grieving the loss of my oldest child and I turned to art for therapy. Art quickly became a daily pursuit that led organically to a fine art career.

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?

Last summer, I achieved “Master Circle Status” in the International Association of Pastel Societies. It’s my proudest moment because it represents my growth in my passion for the medium of pastel. Also, I am intensely proud of my 2019 National Parks artist residency at Dry Tortugas National Park, where I spent a month off the grid at Loggerhead Key with my daughter Hailey Williams. We worked jointly to produce paintings and poetry. We were the 2019 artists in residence.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In 2014 I was accepted into the Charleston (SC) Artist Collective gallery. The gallery has provided me with motivation to produce new art on a monthly basis and has exposed me to a wide array of social media platforms. Charleston Artist Collective has taught me how to network and market my product consistently to art buyers. I give full credit to Allison Williamson, the director of Charleston Artist Collective.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Nearly everything with which I come into contact makes its way into my artwork. They are experiences and they form what I believe to be our artistic personality and expression. They are our greatest resources. They are who we are as artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: bethwilliamspastels.squarespace.com
• Instagram: Bethewilliamsart
• Facebook: Beth Williams Fine Art
• Linkedin: n/a
• Twitter: n/a
• Youtube: n/a
• Yelp: n/a

Image Credits
Original oil and pastel paintings by Beth Williams