TRADITIONS AND TRANSITIONS
No two words have ever been paired to explain an artist’s vision quite so well. And, with its thriving art scene, B’Beth Weldon is celebrating her homecoming right here in Mobile. Holding dear her cherished Southern traditions, she’s also joyfully experienced some pretty big transitions that have impacted her work in the best possible way. Here, she shares the details about her upcoming show and so much more.
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One of the Bay’s most adored and talented artists, B’Beth Weldon, is gearing up for what promises to be a one-of-a-kind event. Established internationally, B’Beth’s works hang in the prestigious homes and businesses from the nearby shores of Mobile, Point Clear, and Rosemary Beach, to those as far-reaching as New York City and Boston, and to continents ranging from Asia to Europe.
For those in the know, you’re aware that she has taken the brave steps to not only grow professionally, but personally, too. When it became clear the pandemic would prevent her from seeing her daughter living in Greece, B’Beth made the bold decision to pack up for an experience and adventure of a lifetime. As she carved out her niche in Greece, B’Beth’s paintings took on a whole new life as she was inspired by the pristine light, unique colors found in nature, and so much more that she’d never seen before.
Known for her private commissions, abstracts, landscapes and sport art, like the prime polo pony paintings donning the walls of the famed Polo Lounge at the Fairhope Inn, it’s clear being raised locally made an impact on B’Beth. Her mother, also an artist, instilled in her a love of painting, and drawing from a very early age and regularly invited B’Beth to paint with her and her contemporaries. Combined with a youth filled with happy memories of sailboat races with her father, riding horses until sunset, and hunting and fishing in the delta and Gulf of Mexico—these passions continue to influence her work.
With a constant enthusiasm for adventures and educational experiences, her work has continued to evolve. “Since embarking on this new journey, I’ve learned so much. My work has always had an ethereal quality, which is why it’s been collected. Through my travels, I’ve come to understand that while many landscapes may appear to look similar, they are indeed so very different due to the varying colors of atmospheric light. Those differences are where the transitions lie. For example, the horizon in the South has a cool deep blue hue and further North in Maine, it has a deep purple hue. It sounds basic, but it’s so intense to capture those colors in the moment. In Greece, I see colors I’ve never seen before. It’s been such an eye-opening experience and being able to capture it on a canvas literally brings me back to the wonderment I experienced as child. Completely captivated, I find myself studying this new-found palette for endless hours as they’ve woken me up again,” B’Beth beams.
With that keen awareness, B’Beth continues to draw inspiration by inserting herself into other cultures. “From teaching art around the globe and to being invited to participate in international shows like the “X Florence Biennale—Art in the Polis” in Florence, Italy, to a two-person solo exhibition in Athens, Greece, “Women Bridging Worlds”, where she was the first American to showcase their work. I didn’t realize how these cultures would change my view point literally and figuratively. Loving where I grew up, I now also love Greece, and the people there, too. My goal is to share and enjoy both countries. As for Southern traditions? Greece has thousands of years of traditions so sharing my Southern favorites and learning theirs is endearing,” B’Beth explains.
With such a depth of influences, B’Beth has aptly named her new exhibit, “Traditions and Transitions.” Through the bridging and blending of these uniquely beautiful cultures and terrains, B’Beth clearly debunks the idea that one must leave self-defining traditions behind in order to experience something new. To us, she’s refining the very meaning of transition. “Wanting to grow as an artist and have freedom to step out of the box is very exciting. Sometimes we forget to force ourselves to look at something differently,” she tells us.
Grounded in her love for the Bay, and happily dividing her time between Point Clear and Athens, B’Beth is thrilled to reveal these recent works bursting with a fresh perspective in downtown Mobile’s Sophiella Gallery in March. “Bringing the region’s contemporary fine art and collectors together, Sophiella Gallery is a local treasure and the perfect venue to host my latest works. It’s a true honor,” she shares.
With a special opening night planned, B’Beth not only invites all of us to join her, she also welcomes interior designers and other industry insiders as they’re an important component in her commissioned works. Plus, speaking with B’Beth can help those of us who dare to dream about a transition of our own. To hear her speak about learning the Greek language, her many adventures around the islands, or how her new friends revere her Southern hospitality is nothing short of awe inspiring. In fact, her enthusiasm is contagious and it’s clear to see why she’s painting more than ever before.
B’Beth Weldon | BBethWeldon.com
