In the world of contemporary art, there exists a realm where nature and abstraction converge, and it’s a place uniquely inhabited by the expressionist artist Terry Beard. With an unconventional approach to painting that combines elements of nature and intuitive expressionism, in this article, we delve into the world of Terry Beard, exploring the inspirations, techniques, and artistic philosophy that define her distinctive style.
‘Backwater II’, 80 x 80cm, mixed media on canvas
Terry Beard’s artistic journey is deeply entwined with her surroundings. Based in a studio nestled within a landscape that boasts a juxtaposition of flat farmlands and enchanting woodlands connected by meandering ditches and drains, Beard finds endless inspiration in the rich tapestry of nature that envelops her workspace. What sets her apart is her ability to capture the essence of this natural world and translate it into abstract expressions on canvas.
The proximity of her studio to a preserved fenland area provides Beard with a never-ending source of visual possibilities. For Beard, the natural world isn’t merely a subject for her artwork; it’s a muse that fuels her creativity. She immerses herself in the landscape, allowing its textures, colors, and forms to seep into her consciousness. This deep connection with nature is the foundation upon which she builds her artistic explorations.
At the core of Terry Beard’s artistic practice lies the technique of screen printing. This method serves as the conduit through which she translates her visions onto canvas. What makes Beard’s approach truly remarkable is her unconventional use of screen printing, which is akin to using a brush. Instead of relying on stencils, Beard wields a small squeegee to pull layers of color through a screen. This unorthodox approach allows her to exercise a high degree of control over the process while also embracing the unpredictability of serendipitous ‘accidents,’ a crucial part of her artistic process.
The gradual buildup of transparent layers of color directly onto canvas is a defining characteristic of Beard’s work. This layering technique creates depth and dimension in her abstract compositions, giving viewers the sense of gazing into a hidden world. The fusion of color and form in her pieces is mesmerizing, pulling the observer into a realm where the boundaries of reality and abstraction blur.
In addition to the canvas, Beard employs another unconventional canvas: newsprint. Torn or cut newsprint serves as a makeshift temporary stencil in her work. She prints onto these pieces of newsprint to create a collection of papers that are later incorporated into her compositions through collage. This interplay between the traditional canvas and the unassuming newsprint adds a layer of complexity to her artwork, infusing it with a sense of texture and depth that is both striking and thought-provoking.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Terry Beard’s creative process is her willingness to embrace intuition and the unexpected. Instead of meticulously planning every detail of her compositions, Beard allows herself to make intuitive decisions along the way. This openness to spontaneity results in compositions that are not bound by rigid constraints but are, instead, free to evolve and transform as they take shape.
The role of serendipity in Beard’s work is equally important. She views “accidents” not as mistakes to be corrected but as opportunities to discover new possibilities. These unexpected occurrences often lead to the creation of unique textures, color combinations, and visual effects that wouldn’t have been possible through a more calculated approach. In this way, Beard’s art becomes a testament to the beauty that can emerge when one relinquishes control and allows the creative process to unfold organically.
Terry Beard’s art is a fusion of the natural and the abstract. Her work captures the essence of the landscape that surrounds her studio while simultaneously transcending the boundaries of realism. It invites viewers to contemplate the hidden beauty and complexity of the natural world through a lens of abstraction, challenging our perceptions and encouraging us to see beyond the surface.
In Beard’s compositions, one can discern the play of light on water, the interplay of shadow and foliage, and the intricate patterns of nature’s tapestry. Yet, these elements are not rendered in a traditional sense; they are distilled into their most essential forms and expressed through the language of abstract art. This transformation imbues her work with a sense of timelessness, as if the images she creates are glimpses into a realm that exists beyond the constraints of the physical world.
Terry Beard is an artist whose work defies easy categorization. She is a painter, a printmaker, and an explorer of the natural world through the lens of abstraction. Her artistic journey is a testament to the power of intuition, serendipity, and a deep connection with the environment.
Through her unconventional use of screen printing, her embrace of spontaneity, and her willingness to let accidents shape her creations, Beard invites us to view the world in a new light. Her art encourages us to see beyond the surface of things, to appreciate the beauty in imperfection, and to recognize that nature’s tapestry is woven with threads of both order and chaos.
As Terry Beard continues to push the boundaries of her art, we can only anticipate that her work will continue to evolve and captivate audiences, inviting us to explore the ever-fascinating intersection of nature and abstraction. With each composition, she leaves us with a profound sense of wonder and a reminder that there is always more to discover, even in the familiar landscapes that surround us.
