At the intersection of Photography, Printmaking, & Enduring Vision with artist, Beth Kerschen
"...the personal nature of how our cities were affected…it is the people behind the walls, behind the windows, and walking the streets that are affected the most by tragic events." Beth Kerschen
How does your work interact with the theme of “A Generous Kingdom V: Art that Explores Story, Symbolism, and Beyond”?
In my work, I combine many photographic images, envisioning the spatial, cultural, and historical connections each of these individual pictures imply. I create scenes that both combine and juxtapose the elements of urban landscapes into meaningful narratives. In this piece I broke new ground and added figures in with my photomontage. I was reflecting on the events of 2020 and for me it was a year of waking up to some realities about our financial, governmental, educational, and healthcare systems that support our cities and their people. We are in such a rat race of keeping up with financial gain, I feel we are forgetting the people who these systems serve. In a generous kingdom, all people would be served equality, with respect, and vast opportunity. When we all do well, we all thrive.
Does the idea of transformation influence your work and process?
Yes transformation influences the subject matter and is a big part of my motivation for doing this piece. As I saw events unfold last year, it was more apparent that we need change in our systems and structure that support our people better. This piece was created in processing this idea how transformation is needed on all levels so all people can grow and thrive – that we can’t lose sight of the fact our systems are here to support all individuals not just corporate entities and the systemic structures themselves.
Who inspires you? And What do you do to get inspired?
My art cannot exist without exploration. Camera in hand, I find my inspiration simply by walking. I take photos of everything and synthesize them into a cohesive scene that provides a strong sense of place. I feel the urban landscape reflects community culture, which is something we all share. My cityscapes have a strong narrative of nostalgia, culture, and memories, but I was further inspired to do something different motivated by the events of 2020. I wanted to reflect on the personal nature of how our cities were affected…it is the people behind the walls, behind the windows, and walking the streets that are affected the most by tragic events.
A small sampling of the depth Beth Kerschen brings to Verum Ultimum Art Gallery and beyond!