Zoe Beaumont is a mixed media artist with a diverse background in textile print design, interior design, and styling. Birthed from a challenging dark period that is intrinsically linked to womanhood, the practise of art therapy became a beacon of light to navigate towards brighter times. Unaware that dusting off her paintbrushes and putting paint to canvas could be so remedial and regenerative, Zoe healed through painting - creating abstract pieces that enabled a form of self-expression. Zoe’s work is informed and inspired by a combination of the natural world and urban landscapes, couture fashion design and street style, interior design statements, and a spectrum of classical and contemporary artists. The different textures and natural mark makings seen in the everyday are of great influence. Using a mixed media approach of acrylic, emulsion, pastels and ink on canvas, Zoe creates bold and contemporary abstract imagery.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
My work is inspired by a combination of art movements from art nouveau, deco, cubism and the pop art movement. I enjoy exploring how differing elements and styles can be cooperated.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I make my best art when I have had time in nature to gather little sources of inspiration, from textures and markings on the ground to the morning light catching on the leaves in the woods. Exciting interiors and fashion designs also provide great inspiration for me.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
I enjoy prepping my canvases/paper/wood with many layers of texture before painting to create interesting bases upon which to layer paint. I use many layers to build a rich depth, and mixed media with inks and pastels. I often apply metallic leaf so the painting can bounce and react in differing lights. Over time I have learned to ‘trust the process’ and paint more organically so the final outcome is less predictable and captures a sense of freedom within the artwork.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
There are so many it is hard to select just one, if pushed I would have to say Pablo Picasso, especially his cubist era.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I worked as a stylist for fashion and interior brands for 10 years before making the move to be a professional artist. I would also love to do some work in the charity sector.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
Podcasts about human psychology and a wide range of music including contemporary ballads, garage and RnB
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
I recently visited the immersive Van Gogh exhibition and would love the simulation of his flower paintings. The image is constantly evolving from one beautiful flower vase artwork to the next, it keeps the viewer mesmerized.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
The V&A London, the fashion and textiles are incredible!
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Make the most of exploring your creativity and learning new processes without the concern of making saleable art
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
One day by David Nicholls, I’m a romantic at heart!
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
In a beautiful outside space, like Kew Gardens or Regents Park. Having natural light on my work allows the textural depth and gold leaf elements to shine. My work is heavily influenced by nature so displaying it within the space where it was inspired would be a full circle moment.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
Once you fully understand the basic principles you can then explore and create confidently without limitations
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
Consistently developing my art practice, and continuing to work with interior designers, hanging my work in hotels/offices and a range of beautiful interiors.
Learn more about Zoe and discover her collection of artworks.
