Bethany Clemens

BFA Graphic Design; Certificate of Illustration

My art practice has been greatly influenced by the struggle I’ve had with under-standing my own thoughts and feelings and my ability to put them to rest. Not only did I need space from others but I also needed to create psychological space. Art is a place to store thoughts without destroying them. I have many times used suppression as an ego defense, actively and consciously trying to push thoughts away. Although this makes me feel better short term, in the long term I’m not dealing with those related issues and therefore not learning from them. The Internet has always been an easy aid in this act of suppression. Instead of facing my feelings head on, I log on to Instagram or Facebook as an easy distraction from my problems. I have not found an all in one solution to clearing out the mess of unhealthy thoughts but throughout my time at Webster I have worked on improving my mental health and being able to understand myself better, it takes time, but part of this process has involved understanding the unhealthy role that the Internet plays in my life. In its place I have found the most effective tool has been surrounding myself with positive people and engaging in positive thinking.

There is a dangerous myth that wreaks havoc on young artists that they need to be a tortured artist to be successful. I find this harmful, especially after being confronted by my own anxiety and depression. I have geared my current illustrative work towards affirmation and playfulness, even while tackling a tough subject. Like curating a room of artifacts and organizing them in a certain way, people’s thoughts construct the way they see the world around them. If people constantly surround themselves with depictions of a bleak and somber world they will feel hopeless, so I try my best to create positivity.

Website: https://bethanyclemens.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @bethany_clemens