Artist Studio

IWD Los Angeles: Talking Never Giving Up with Dawn Beckles

Dawn Beckles talks to our Global Fair Director about drawing inspiration from Barbados and committing to her practice.

This interview is part of our global International Women’s Day campaign where we are talking to 6 great female artists who will each be presenting their work at one of our Spring fairs; London, Sydney, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Melbourne and Chicago.

Please tell me about your practice.

The light is most definitely different in Barbados and therefore my approach to color reflects that. With all of my paintings I like to start with a neon base and build from there. For me it’s important for them to be warm and inviting to give the viewer an insight to something imagined. In my work I hope that the viewer is able to create a more intimate relationship with the pottery and furnishings within their interiors and exteriors. Allowing them to realize that although daunting the use of color and clashing patterns in an interior or exterior setting can work. You are your home, and as such what you surround yourself with is a direct reflection of that.

In my work I hope that the viewer is able to create a more intimate relationship with the pottery and furnishings within their interiors and exteriors. Allowing them to realize that although daunting the use of color and clashing patterns in an interior or exterior setting can work. You are your home, and as such what you surround yourself with is a direct reflection.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration for still life mainly from my childhood memories of Barbados and experiences that I have whilst travelling. With my interiors every 6 months I collate a collection of maximalist interiors, furniture, flowers, plants and patterns that I have come across whilst travelling or just in everyday life. Using these I create a mood board that works in conjunction with my color wall.

What are your targets for 2019?

My targets for 2019 are to show my work outside of the UK and to have a solo show.

Any advice you can give for other female artists just starting their practice?

Commit to your practice. Be open and willing to learn, it’s easy to become comfortable and therefore unchallenged. Write down what you want and then look at others who have achieved   Don’t ever give up.

And finally, which female artists, past or present, would you like to take for a drink?

Mikalene Thomas & Tracey Emin

Want to meet and buy directly from Dawn Beckles? Well at The Other Art Fair Los Angeles, 28-31st March, Magic Box at The Reef, you can!