Beth Hurst is a Cumbrian artist currently studying Fine Art at the University of Cumbria. She works in lots of different mediums, from traditional water colours to digital artwork and is heavily influenced by the world of Studio Ghibli. She is currently open for commissions and can be found posting on her Instagram.
Tell us a little bit about how and why you started doing art
My history with art is a little jumbled if I’m being honest. I've been drawing and doodling for years now, even as a kid, although said drawings were awful. I only really decided that I wanted to continue studying art in college though, it was around the end of the first year where I thought 'hey, I actually really enjoy this, I want to keep doing it'. So now I'm studying Fine Art at university, and I've almost finished my first year.
What are the biggest influences on you as an artist?
There's a lot that inspires me to create art- like, a lot- but Studio Ghibli is for sure the biggest influence. Everything from their stories, to the art style, to the music- they just create such beautiful things. There are other stories, TV shows and movies that inspire me as well, but Ghibli is for sure my biggest inspiration. Last semester I did actually do a project on dreams, using both my own and friends as direct inspiration to create different pieces, and I have done some maps inspired my fantasy books and games like Dungeons and Dragons. Oh, and pretty much anything by Tolkien.
How would you describe your art style?
My art style is a bit of a mess, and to be honest I don't really think I have one. It's a bit sad but sometimes I look at my art and nothing about it really seems unique at all, but the more I practice and the more styles and techniques I use and learn about the more likely I am to develop one.
'I think people should stop looking down on people who choose college over sixth form- college was the best choice I ever made, I met so many different people there and the environment was better for me to learn and work in. It's all about choosing what's best for you, and doing what's best for you.'
What does art mean to you?
Art to me is something that I enjoy doing and it's something I enjoy learning about- both the techniques and a little bit of the history. And maybe one day I'll be able to make a living out of it too.
Do you have any advice for budding young artists?
I think being open to different places to study art at is good. I think people should stop looking down on people who choose college over sixth form as I know a few people I used to be friends with looked down on me for choosing college. But to me college was the best choice I ever made, I met so many different people there and the environment was better for me to learn and work in. It's all about choosing what's best for you, and doing what's best for you. Art isn't always going to be easy, you'll hit blocks and it does suck, but don't be afraid to reach out to friends and other artists for help.
Do you have any goals or plans for the future?
I guess my only real goal right now is to finish Uni with a passing grade, I know, very ambitious, but it's something I enjoy and want to succeed at. My commissions are currently open and I would love to try and do more of them, so feel free to drop a DM. As for future projects, I’m actually just starting a new brief at Uni, so I’m going to be working on that for a while and will be posting the finished pieces on my account!
Make sure you follow Beth on her Instagram to keep up with her art at @Bea_makesart.
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