About me
My Background
I think that I've always been an artist. As a toddler, according to my mom, I didn't really play with toys, but rather spent my time collecting "treasures" outside (pinecones, sticks, rocks, flowers, shells, etc.) to make art with. When I got older, I took so many art classes that I repeated watercolor, felting, acrylic, block printing, pastel, pen and ink, and drawing at a local studio. I have experimented with dozens of different mediums, but one that always comes back to me is pen and ink. Its simplicity and accessibility allow me to capture the small and beautiful parts of daily life. All I need is my notebook and a pen. In high school, I had a pottery internship with local potter Peter Brondz and worked as a graphic designer for a local outdoor gear brand, Skhoop. For the past 5 years, I've also sold my creations at the Girdwood Forest Fair. I've recently completed a degree in human physiology, and though I plan to pursue that field, I still make time to create often. Art is my first love, my most consistent passion, and will always be a defining aspect of my being.
My Inspiration
Organic shapes are my greatest inspiration. At a young age, my family taught me the importance of fresh air and encouraged me to acknowledge my surroundings. In Alaska, I'm privileged to access endless wilderness, which has shaped my artistic style and creative process. Almost everything I make is based on naturally occurring patterns that I see while outdoors. I love trying to translate the beauty of plants and mountains into tangible pieces of art; they are my favorite subjects. Outdoor recreation and making art are two things that bring me great joy and peace, so I appreciate being able to connect them in my daily life. Recently, I've found especially deep fulfillment through drawing the flowers that I see while on daily walks.
Important links
Betty Dyes Art Studio- http://thearthousealaska.com/
Peter Brondz- https://www.facebook.com/PeterBrondzPottery/
Skhoop- https://www.skhoop.us
These local Alaskan businesses have been crucial to my success as an artist. Thank you.