Gareth BellÂ
Gareth Bell, a multidisciplinary artist and finalist in the Emerging Artist Awards, has found his creative home in oil painting. His artistic journey began as a rediscovery of creativity during the COVID-19 lockdowns, starting with poster paints and gradually progressing to oils. Gareth describes his process as one of exploration, focusing on the immediacy and fulfillment that painting provides compared to other creative outlets. Despite battling a strong inner critic, Gareth embraces the joy and challenges of painting, allowing himself to make mistakes and grow through the process.
Artistic Background
Gareth’s interest in art began during school, where he enjoyed drawing as a casual hobby rather than a serious pursuit. Early influences included his grandmother, a passionate hobbyist painter. However, his path initially led to a degree in journalism and a career in publishing. The turning point came during the pandemic, when he rediscovered his passion for art. Starting with basic materials, he quickly transitioned to more advanced techniques, finding a deep connection with painting as a means of self-expression and personal fulfillment.
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Inspirations and Themes
As a father, Gareth attributes much of his inspiration to his children, who have reconnected him with his own sense of wonder and play. Their curiosity and joy remind him of the importance of creating. His work often explores themes of perception and storytelling, particularly through portraiture. Gareth enjoys painting faces, feeling a connection with the subject and a sense of reward in seeing a personality emerge on the canvas. He frequently works with local subjects, using interviews and conversations to inform his pieces, which combine narrative depth with artistic expression.
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Emerging Artist Awards Experience and Working with SCAF
Discovering the Scott Creative Arts Foundation through Instagram, Gareth was drawn to the Emerging Artist Awards’ focus on perception. The structure and deadline provided by the awards helped him approach his work with intention and discipline. The opportunity allowed him to tell an important story and explore narrative in a new way through a piece he created about Jim, a local figure and young carer. Gareth describes his experience with the Scott Creative Arts Foundation as transformative, praising the supportive environment and valuable feedback he received.
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Since participating in the Emerging Artist Awards, Gareth has continued to develop his practice, focusing on refining his technique and storytelling approach. He has also engaged with life drawing classes and sketching as preparatory methods for his oil paintings. Exhibiting more frequently and building connections with local artists have been key goals, as has balancing his artistic ambitions with his family life. Painting has become more than a creative outlet for Gareth; it is a way to connect with others and share meaningful stories.
Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions
Looking ahead, Gareth is eager to expand his artistic practice, with plans to exhibit his work more widely and begin selling his pieces. His ultimate goal is to transition to part-time or full-time work as an artist, allowing him to focus on creating meaningful, narrative-driven art. He is particularly interested in exploring ways to integrate writing and painting, merging his storytelling skills with his visual art. The Scott Creative Arts Foundation has been a stepping stone, giving him the confidence and experience to pursue these ambitions. Gareth also emphasises the importance of the Scott Creative Arts Foundation in supporting emerging artists from working-class backgrounds, expressing gratitude for the opportunities it has provided.
