Beth Rubel
Paper Bag Test: At Age Four (self-portrait), 2019, Mixed media on vintage Union paper bag, 2.5 x 4"
Describe your artistic style in three words.
conceptual, transformative, exuberant
What's inspiring you right now?
JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR!
What do you do when you're feeling uninspired?
Read / Write / Research a new technique / skill / topic. Since my work is rooted in activism, a lot of time is devoted to researching historical and current events. Sometimes burnout can occur if consuming too much negative media for a prolonged time. To combat this, nature hikes and talking to loved ones allows me to feel grounded and recharged to begin creating again.
Tell us something unique about your process.
A major part of my artistic practice involves portraiture. This process includes video interviewing the participating models, taking photo references, while we have a conversation about cultural identity, background, and/or experiences with colorism and/or racism. Every individual’s personal narrative is radically distinct and informative to my portrait work. There’s certainly an element of vulnerability involved when sharing one’s experiences and I’m grateful to everyone that has participated in this series. Interrogating how we are seen and how we perceive others is the impetus fueling my work.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Practice self care. Be fearless and authentic.
Get off Deviant Art.
Anything else you'd like to share?
JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR
JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR
JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR
JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR
JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR
Paper Bag Test: My Cousin Derrick, 2019, Mixed media on vintage Union paper bag, 3 x 5"
Paper Bag Test: Ebony Ava Harper, 2020, Mixed media on handmade paper bag, 45 x 72"
Paper Bag Test: Adrian, 2020, Mixed media on handmade paper bag, 56 x 82"
Paper Bag Test: Obama, 2013, Mixed media on paper bag, 8 x 10"
Paper Bag Test: Big Freedia, 2015, Mixed media on paper bag, 10 x 14"
Paper Bag Test: Funmi, 2016, Mixed media on paper bag, 16 x 20"
Paper Bag Test: Kaepernick, 2017, Mixed media on paper bag, 18 x 20"
SXSW Hope Mural, 2019, Acrylic and Spray Paint on concrete wall
STEM Facebook Mural, 2017, Acrylic Paint on interior walls
Beth Consetta Rubel focuses on duality, identity, and representation related to pop culture. Her work blends traditional mediums with historic found objects, and modern technology to reflect on what we have learned from the past. She taunts the viewer, while opening dialog to consider their role in our collective progress.