Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen K Beacham.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
There are maybe 2 things that stand out in my 37 year art career.
1) I painted even when I worked full time (up to 12 years ago). I didn’t “retire” but rather switched careers from being a Sales Director for a graphics house, to becoming a full time artist. My stint in the business world prepared me for running my own art business.
2) In 1998, I went to Italy for the first time. We hit the road in our rented Fiat, stopping at all of the hill towns from Milan down to Rome. On the way, we spent one VERY rainy day in Venice, and despite the downpour, I loved that City of Water & Light so much, and I knew I’d be back for another visit. I now take folks with me every year! I take both painters and also NON-painters who want to see Venice through my eyes.
Please tell us about your art.
Because I’m highly allergic to oils, I have always focused on watercolors. Something people may not be aware of is that watercolors can be varnished (and adhered to a board) so that they can archivally be framed without the need for glass. This has opened a whole new world to artists!
I am drawn to all things old, so you’ll find me contentedly painting my beloved Montreal (which is my hometown), Charleston (my adopted home) and most definitely Venice (where I leave my heart every time I fly back to the U.S.). I paint both architecture and landscapes (where I often feature Spanish moss flowing in the warm Southern air.)
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
It’s not even about what a city can do, but rather what individuals can do.
In “the olden days”, an artist had a patron who prepared them for showing their work, and then supported them in so many other ways.
Today, why not identify an artist in your community that you want to support…
– hold a cocktail party for the artist and your friends. Have the artist show some work.
– mention the artist on social media.
– think of art when you need a gift.
By example, you may be helping out more than just that one artist!
(I pay it forward by bringing artists from other parts of the country to teach my own students in Charleston. Someone they may never get the chance to study with otherwise.)
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is currently on display at the Customs House Museum just outside Nashville, TN and all of my work is available through my website: https://www.HelenKBeacham.com
I write a blog about my art and about art tips: https://www.HelenKBeacham.blogspot.com
I’m on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/helenkbeachamfineart/
And I’m also available by email: BeachamFineArt@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 210 Beaufort St.
Summerville, SC 29483 - Website: https://www.HelenKBeacham.com
- Phone: 843-408-5240
- Email: BeachamFineArt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenkbeachamfineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeachamFineArt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenKBeacham
- Other: https://www.WAMArtists.com
Image Credit:
Helen K Beacham Fine Art
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
