Conversations with Beth Berss

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Berss.

Hi Beth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Before launching my art career, I spent years in the fast-paced world of marketing. Years and years in the publishing and early online world of marketing honed my eye for color and composition. When my two children were small, I transitioned into teaching myself how to paint and create. What began as a personal creative outlet expanded into a great second career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of some retail shop owners, designers and gallerist who gave me some early boosts such as Jennifer Balcos, Laurie Scholl and Candi Miller of Candi Miller Designs. In those days, I did a lot of small neighborhood home markets and holidays shows. I still see my works from those days in the homes of friends, which is such a treat for me! If you are reading this and you purchased from me years ago, you know who you are and I am so grateful. In order to go beyond friends of friends, I did have to make some contacts and show my work to people I had no connection to. If you have done this then you know “the fear.” It’s a lot harder to market something you created vs. promoting a product or service of that belongs to someone else.

Something else that really propels my success was that I have a small group of people that regularly buy from me every few years. They are curating their homes and collections and they turn to me when they need a new piece. Much like most businesses, it’s hard to reach a new audience. Repeat customers have helped me gradually build to where I am today.

Staying active year after year in local and regional art shows has introduced me to even more gallerists, artists, designers and collectors. Shows can be a lot of physical and mental work. Not all shows are financially successful for every artist. But there is almost always a valuable connection when I put myself and my work out there. All of these sustained efforts have grown into a national and global footprint, with my artwork now living in homes in multiple countries.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
All artists doubt there work but sometimes the negative self talk is very, very loud. Being kind to myself about my work can sometimes be a big challenge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My art is all wall art, paper and canvases in acrylics and watercolors. The pieces I create are typically airy and contain a soft, calming motion. I have heard my work described as serene, coastal, happy and upbeat. My work has maintained it’s own identity and not become a copy of what’s popular with the online retailers. I am particularly proud of my intuitive abstracts. I have spent many, many years honing how not to over paint, trying not to over think, learning when it’s not done and learning when to walk away. When I sell an abstract, the homeowner is usually connecting deeply with the work and there is a sparkle in their eyes when they decide to purchase. Sometimes they will lay their hand on their piece as if they are afraid someone will take it. All artists know there is no better feeling in the world.

What makes you happy?
It makes me happy to have a balanced with work and play plus time to relax with the people I love most. My husband and kids make me the happiest!

Pricing:

• Most works below $1500!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bbartsandantiques
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbantiquesTL/