Artist making her mark in the realm of abstracts

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on February 21, 2023.

Herald photos by Justin Seward Beverly Waters works on her four collage pieces at the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge on Saturday. People had the opportunity to go home with a piece of art on the day.

Local abstract artist Beverly Waters is the featured Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge artist for February and was painting her artwork on Saturday afternoon.

Waters has been producing art her whole life, but has taken it more seriously in the last 10 years.

She creates her artwork through multiple layers, colours, shapes and mark-making.

“Well I went through a serious illness about 10 years ago and I was looking for a type of therapy and I found that painting was so much easier than writing in a journal,” said Waters.

“Writing in a journal is like telling your story over and over again. But painting was something where you could express your emotions but you’re not going over the same old details of the same old story. It’s fresh, something new and a way to express yourself, that is for me, it was more meaningful than the written word and it just took on a life of its own.”

Waters started with art journals and then progressed to larger art projects and then up to canvases.

“So I started working small and worked my way up to now I really like working on big canvasses,” said Waters.

“Abstract is such a wonderful style of painting because it’s really open-ended and it allows you to explore … materials. It’s sort of an endless exploration.”

Her collage art can be pieces of paper from maps, papers that are self-created, old concert tickets and old newspaper articles to name a few.

“You’re gloaming it down with medium and then painting on top of it, and then you add more and just keep building up the layers and it builds up a really nice rich history in your painting,” she said.

Waters’s pieces are derived from feelings she has for the environment around her.

“Inspiration is everywhere,” she said.

Waters said it’s a way to get to know yourself from the inside out.

“And every time you do a piece, you learn something not just about your materials but also about yourself,” said Waters.

“Whether it’s a particular way of mark making or your little signature line that you put in to a piece or the colours that you’re drawn towards,” she said.

She has done approximately 300 pieces.

Waters thinks abstract art is becoming more well known locally.

“But I think, you know, because we’re an agricultural community, and we have such beautiful surroundings – we’ve got the bridge – and that has traditionally been the type of art that’s been more popular in southern Alberta,” said Waters.

“But I think as more and more people discover abstract art, it is finding its place here.”

Waters painted four collage pieces that incorporated pieces of repurposed paper, paints and mark making material on Saturday as a demo for people to see.

“Bev is very special to us (and) we are very excited to have here with us today,” said Emma Aubie, AAC Works manager.

“I think that kind of our fundamental role here in the community is community building and that’s kind of another aspect of having Bev here with us today, is giving her the opportunity to engage with the larger Lethbridge community.”

Waters’ work can be found on her Instagram @beverlywatersart or through www. aacworksca.wpcomstaging.com

AAC currently represents over 65 local and regional artists.

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