I create works on paper and mixed media sculptures.
Impermanence and different states of consciousness are prevalent themes in my work. I take inspiration predominantly from animals and nature, from my own meditative experiences, and from Buddhist philosophy.
Having recently lost my brother, I have been exploring my own grief through my work, and also contemplating the wider realm of possibilities of what might happen to us after we die. My focus has been on searching for a balance between the heavy viscerality of the physical world, and the lighter, unfettered, spiritual realms. My material choices reflect these two opposing aspects of life (and death). I use tactile silicone to create textured sculptures, embodying the sensory world; and I use precise and delicate drawing to express my spiritual contemplations and reflections on grief.
I hold a Bachelors in Drawing from Camberwell College of Art, and have recently completed a Masters in Prosthetic Effects at Falmouth University.
CV
2023: Monster suit fabricator for The Severed Sun, directed by Dean Puckett
2022: Illustrations published in The Meat Paradox, by Rob Percival
2021: Interbeing; Unit 3 Gallery, SE24, London. Collaborative exhibition with Anders Gramer exploring interdependence.
2021: She Answered, Art, with the South London Women Artists, curated by Gita Joshi
2020: Illustrations published in Dark Mountain Issue 18 : Fabula
2020: Touch, online group exhibition curated by Chicago-based Woman Made Gallery
2019: Visions of the Unseen, KCL Psychiatry dept, Camberwell, London. Group exhibition curated by the Psychedelic Trials Group, KCL. The PTG are investigating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat depression.
2019: Being, Jeannie Avent Gallery, Dulwich, London. Solo exhibition of pencil and ink drawings exploring the impermanent nature of thoughts and emotions.
2017: Grass Roots, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, USA. ‘Growth of the Soil’ was selected for inclusion in this group exhibition, showing works that investigate the natural environment and our place within it.
2017: Kuuki, The Roper Gallery, Bath, UK. Juried exhibition with the aim of “using art as a platform for debate and collective awareness regarding environmental concerns.”
2016: Vanishing Species pt.ii, The Crypt Gallery, Euston, London. Solo exhibition of life-size drawings and sculptures of endangered animals. Presented in collaboration with World Land Trust.
2015: Selected for the Limner Gallery’s annual Christmas exhibition. Hudson, New York
2015: Vanishing Species, Co-Exist, Bristol, UK. Presented as part of the Big Green Week.
2014: A Dip in the Potion, collaborative show with The Minesweeper Collective, London.
2014 (& 2016): Malmesbury Art Collective exhibition, The John Bowen Gallery, Wiltshire.
2012: Residency at Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi wild animal refuge in the Amazon rainforest, Bolivia. During a one month period at the refuge, I drew rescued wild cats, monkeys and birds. My works were commissioned or auctioned off to raise funds for the charity.
2011: Monsters International, Galerie Espace, Montreal (Juried)
2011: In the Between, The Horse Hospital, Bloomsbury, London (with Cian O’Neill)
2010: 50 Years Fantastic (Society for Art of Imagination group show), La Galleria, Pall Mall, London (Juried)
2010: Limbo, Supine Studios, Hackney, London (with Cian O’Neill)
2009: Brain Squeeze, The Foundry, Old st, London (Group)
2008: Shortlisted for DLA Piper Art Award
2007: Beneath the Surface, The Foundry, Old st, London (Group)
Education
2022-2023: MA Prosthetic Effects (Distinction), Falmouth University
2005 to 2008: BA Drawing, Camberwell College of Art, London
Contact
For any enquiries please email me at bethanmcfaddenart@gmail.com or DM me via Instagram