Introducing Bettie Wilde, a figurative artist with a beautiful collection of work. She is based in Everett, Washington.
What would you say is your main source of inspiration?
A friend reached out to me during quarantine, she was being abused for the last 30 years by an ex of mine. When I got the call I froze in panic knowing what she was experiencing. I felt responsible for not reporting my ex when I was younger. Going through that with her really opened my eyes.
I decided to write a book helping to support women going through domestic violence called All The Pretty Flowers. It was a great victory, I was so proud and grateful that I could help her out of this situation and provide a way for women to build their strength. My paintings from my collection All The Pretty Flowers series are a homage to women who are suffering in quarantine with their abuser.
Emotions, I can’t get away from them unless I throw them into a painting. Then I can let them go and show them respect. Pain is part of growing.
When did you start making art? What does art offer you?
I started painting as a child. My mother loved when I painted and it was the one thing that her and I connected on. I started painting feverishly, upset I didn’t do it when she was alive. Quarantine really gave me the time and place to really hash out what I was feeling. For me art is my voice. I can’t tell you in the same depth all that I feel without using a visual medium. You can’t lie in your art, the truth bleeds through.
Is there a story behind one of your works you would like to share?
The day my book launched I received the news that my mother passed away. I was struck down with enormous grief. I did the only thing I knew to do was to paint and my series Obsolete was born. I wasn’t able to see my mother and never got to say good-bye. She died alone in quarantine.
What are some pieces of advice you have for other artists?
Stop trying to be perfect. Get messy, get as ugly as you can be and then step back.
Do you have any favorite resources for learning art?
Paint every day! I am inspired by other artists, now you can find so many wonderful classes online and not have to spend thousands on a college to learn and master your skill. Eventually, you will find your voice. Be persistent.
The Wandering Muse was a course I took of Jeanne Oliver and it taught me to be myself. It was the first time I saw myself in my work.
I encourage you to check out her website, which can be found at https://www.bettiewilde.com.