Bekah Worley of Bekah Worley Co.
Bekah working in her studio at the Holland Arts Building.
Artwork by Bekah Worley
What inspired you to become an artist?
I honestly don't remember a time when I wasn't drawing or doodling on something, and I've always been a compulsive maker. But for a lot of my life, I had this idea that I couldn't be an artist because I wasn't good enough. I'm not even sure what I imagined good enough to be, but I felt sure that I wasn't it. In hindsight, I know that creativity is a practice that you grow and develop by just trying stuff, and that the only mandatory skill for an artist is persistence. I was 38 before I finally let myself wonder, what if I just tried?
What mediums do you primarily work with, and why do you prefer them?
My main medium is fluid acrylic paint. I've dabbled in watercolor and gouache, clay, paper mache, and a bunch of textile arts, but my main work as an artist is making acrylic paintings on both framed canvas panels and unframed wood panels. I love the texture of fluid acrylic, how easy it is to layer, and mostly the ability to create really vibrant color stories.
How does the local community influence your art?
Art as a career is such a connective process. I would have never even gotten off the ground without my community, both local and online. I've just made things up as I go, so there might be another way to do it, but for me, my art doesn't work unless I'm in community with the people who support me, who appreciate (and buy!) my art, or who are just interested in what I'm doing. I can't just hide away and make a bunch of paintings and survive. My art philosophy is that it's very much a two way street: I have to let people see me and see who I am, and in turn I get to be inspired by who they are. I see all art as an act of connection.
Are there any upcoming exhibitions or shows we should know about?
I don't have any local shows on the books at the moment--I'm honestly a terrible planner, and this is a slower time for me anyway. But I'll be in the group show "Ordinary Objects" at the Liz Lidgett Gallery in Des Moines in March. The show opens March 11 and will be available online and in person. I also have a solo show at the Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, NH during the month of April. That show will also be both in person and online.
Is there a particular project or idea you dream of pursuing someday?
Not really--I'm pretty in the moment and not big on setting goals. I like to see where things go.
How can readers find more about your work (social media, website, etc.)?
The best and most up to date way to find me is on Instagram: @bekahworleyco . You can also reach out via my website: www.bekahworleyco.com, and check out my online shop to see what I'm up to.
Bekah Worley
