Beth Morgan
"Even if your work isn't selling or isn't in galleries or you're not getting commissions, it doesn't stop you from being an artist"
Artistic Approach and Process
Beth Morgan, a Wakefield-based artist and finalist in the 2019 Emerging Artist Awards, primarily works with acrylic paints, although her artistic practice spans a variety of mediums such as ceramics, screen printing, and photography. She enjoys painting nature scenes, particularly flowers, but also explores abstract forms. “Painting seems to have stuck,” she explains, “It’s kind of the focal point throughout all of my life really.” Beth’s work often addresses themes of nature and environmental protection, an aspect she emphasizes lightly: “I try not to make it too heavy, but there is always that element of, we’ve kind of got to look after the environment around us, not just internationally, but locally as well.” Her commitment to making art accessible to all is a defining feature of her process. She believes art should not be confined to traditional galleries, stating, “We should display art in accessible venues such as libraries rather than galleries alone.”
Artistic Background
Beth’s artistic journey began at a young age, deeply influenced by her grandmother, with whom she would spend time creating art after school. Her grandmother, she recalls, was a “catalyst” for her creative pursuits, teaching her various techniques, from painting to collaging. In school, Beth found herself drawn to creative subjects, where she could best express herself. She pursued this passion through her A-levels and went on to study for a degree in Contemporary Art and Illustration at university. This academic foundation opened further opportunities, including a role supporting creative students at the University of Huddersfield, where she continues to work. The university’s support was instrumental in enabling Beth to pursue a Master’s by Research in Art, further honing her skills and expanding her creative horizons.
Inspirations and Themes
Nature plays a central role in Beth’s art, with her local surroundings in Yorkshire providing a constant source of inspiration. She frequently embarks on walks to discover new plants and flowers, which serve as the subjects for many of her pieces. She also draws inspiration from venues such as Sheffield Botanical Gardens and Chester Zoo, as well as her visits to Malham Cove, South Bay Beach, and Wessenden Head on Marsden Moor, all of which have inspired her abstract works. Yorkshire’s rich art scene is another driving force for Beth. As a studio holder at The Art House in Wakefield, she appreciates the friendliness and accessibility of the local art community. She is also an advocate for the sense of support and collaboration in the region, saying, “People think London is the place for art, but I actually think that Yorkshire seems a bit friendlier, and there’s not as much competition.”
Participating in the Emerging Artist Awards, organised by the Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF), was a pivotal moment in Beth’s career. She found the awards invaluable for building connections with other artists from diverse backgrounds and experiences. “I like the fact that the theme changes every year,” she notes, “so you are seeing a really kind of diverse breadth of work that people are making.” Beth continues to feel part of the community fostered through the awards, adding, “I still feel like I’m linked to the people that were in the Emerging Artist Awards this year because we’ve all been through that process. I think it’s building a nice bit of community, really.”
Since her time as a finalist, Beth has remained an active and evolving artist. She completed her Master’s by Research in Art and expanded her creative practice to include fabric work, creating handmade scrunchies and cushions, which she sells at local markets across Yorkshire. Her work has been displayed in a range of public spaces, including Scarborough Hospital, The Theatre in Wakefield, and a group exhibition at Huddersfield Market. Additionally, Beth has taken on mural commissions, further diversifying her portfolio. This period of exploration has solidified her belief that, “Even if your work isn’t selling, or isn’t in galleries, or you’re not getting commissions, it doesn’t stop you from being an artist.”
Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions
Looking ahead, Beth is determined to continue expanding the reach of her work. She aims to secure more commissions and is focused on displaying her pieces in public venues throughout Wakefield and beyond. She also plans to apply for additional art opportunities to further her career. For Beth, the act of creating remains central to her identity: “I feel like being creative and being an artist is who I am as a person, and it’s not going to disappear.” With her evolving practice and community connections, Beth’s ambitions align with her desire to remain grounded in Yorkshire’s artistic community while continuing to grow and share her work with a broader audience.
"I still feel like im linked to the people that were in the emerging artist awards this year because we’ve all been through that process. I think its building a nice bit of community really"
