Internationally exhibited artist, Beth Nicholas, works within the Japanese aesthetic Wabi-sabi. She describes this aesthetic as "the appreciation of things that have been weathered by time and nature." Her inspiration comes from the understated elegance in things that have been discarded and have begun to disintegrate. Nicholas points out that if you look closely at her work the gold patterns represent this disintegration. She works mainly in blues and golds and describes these colors as being sensual when used together as well as calming and gentle. She states, "these colors resonate within every pore of my being." Beth's work allows her to become more transparent to the world by allowing her to tell her story through the titles of her artwork and the overall feeling that the work evokes.
She was born in Long Island, New York but soon moved and grew up in England. After graduating in 2004 from her studies in Textile Design at the University of the West of England she moved to London. She worked in costume design for film, television and theater while in London. During this time she also taught arts and craft workshops to kids with under privileged backgrounds. In 2009, Beth was offered a post as an Artist in Residence at Wycombe Abbey School for Girls. This residency helped her focus and build a strong foundation for her practice, exploring both femininity and textures, and acted as a catalyst for exploration into the aesthetic and concept of Wabi-sabi.
Her work is such a beautiful addition to the Area Collection and we can't wait to share her murals. They truly are peaceful, calming and beautifully imperfect.
