Final year project
Exploration of colour and process to convey serenity [Read more]
Daydream 2/3
Acrylic and house paint on unprimed canvas.
This piece is from my final series of work that explores how painting can be used as an activity to calm the self and convey serenity through an immersive atmosphere. The key to achieving my practice is being in a calm state of mind myself and generating a method of paint which is instinctive and does not require a strict composition. Each piece is derived from my imagination and is a reaction to personal thoughts in the moments at which it is being created. I aim to continue with this series after my degree.
Daydream 1/3
Acrylic and house paint on unprimed canvas.
Daydream 3/3
Acrylic and house paint on unprimed canvas.
Blue on Black
House paint and acrylic on canvas. 30 x 30cm.
This piece is from my early stages of development where I was exploring the quality of white and how using the smallest amount of colour would change the appearance. This is a series that I will be continuing to explore and develop beyond my degree. I discovered a 'less is more' approach and so only used quick, spontaneous gestures, inspired by the Abstract Expressionists, to create lines.
Pink on Black
House paint and acrylic on canvas. 30 x 30cm.
Blue
Acrylic and house paint on paper.
Following my 'on black' series, this piece explores the calm amongst chaos; another series that I will be continuing to explore and develop after University.
Bethany Clayton
My practice explores how painting can be used as a means to calm the self. Through process and colour I aim to convey serenity, showing how art can be used for a meditative purpose and engage the viewer.
Led by a process of painting, I use my practice as an effortless but controllable tool to enter a state of pure concentration and enjoyment of making art. I explore how I interact with painting; it allows me to be unrestricted and spontaneous with the gestures that I make. I combine Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism in an innovative way that evokes emotions; stripping the gestural aspects of expressionist works right back in order to establish a serene quality in a process based practice. Over the course of my last year I have confidently developed my canvas making skills that allow me to make my pieces. This year has taught me to efficiently use my time and be self-disciplined. I am very ambitious and am keen to continue with a professional practice beyond my studies and share my work.
Dissertation
The forgotten women of Abstract Expressionism
Final year project
Exploration of colour and process to convey serenity
Experience
I have experience in a supervisory role in hospitality. This taught me to be versatile and succeed in a high-stress environment whilst leading a team. I have also volunteered at a local theatre to gain some experience as I have an interest in working in the theatre/film/television industry. Over the last few years I have been commissioned to design various logos, album covers and social media content for start-up businesses and musicians; this is something that I have balanced alongside my work and used to develop additional skills and opportunities. I enjoy working closely with clients to achieve the content they require; turning their images into reality using Photoshop. I will to use these transferable skills to further my professional practice.