Beth Ellen Jarvie is a Hamilton artist who specializes in photography. Her work is focused and immediate. Her ongoing series, Look Up, as she speaks about later, has a lot of works actually looking up, but also has other meanings. Jarvie has an interesting eye mixing in natural and man made elements, usually with crisp colors.
She finds beauty in what others may not always notice. Look up.
When did you begin in the arts?
I grew up in a house full of artists. I’ve been a photographer since high school, but I never took myself seriously as an artist until I was in my 50’s. My grandfather, father, and brothers were all painters. It took me years to see my photography as a credible art form. I didn’t start showing my work publicly until 2017. Social media played a pretty big role in validating that people wanted to see what I had to say.
I’ve recently started working in different mediums; like painting and some 3D projects. I’d like to branch out a bit and experiment with some mixed media ideas I’ve had kicking around in my head.
Which media do you work in?
Photography mostly, but I have been dabbling in watercolors, acrylics, and printmaking.
How did you get interested in the series Look Up?
It came about organically. I find myself noticing the small bits of beauty and wonder that surround us all on a daily basis. Through social media channels I came to realize that most people didn’t notice the things I was seeing. Which reminds me of a quote by Degas: “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” I wanted my art to remind viewers to look up from their phones, or their busy lives and just take a moment for art and beauty, and moreover to search for the beauty in our lives.
Where have you shown in this area?
In Trenton, I have been in exhibitions at the Mill Hill Saloon, Trenton Social, and Basecamp Trenton. In Princeton I have shown at Tiger Labs, Princeton University, Triumph Brewer and Small World Cafe. I have also exhibited work in Montgomery at Thomas Sweets, in Hopewell at Silva Gallery and the Hopewell Winery. I have also shown in Hightstown which has a growing arts community at 12 Farms Restaurant.
I am most proud of being accepted in the current Ellarslie Open and exhibiting in the Trenton City Museum.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
Number one struggle is studio space! This is a huge obstacle. I think if I had space I would produce so much more and probably play with other mediums.
Number two would be sales — but more on the how do I market myself space, I’m not really concerned about how much I sell. I am more intent on getting my name and my work out there.
How often do you work on your art?
I take photos with my smartphone. One reason I do that is to let people understand that creating art is accessible to everyone, it’s not about having expensive equipment or materials. It’s about taking the time to see. So, I work on my art daily.
Do you prefer one season over another?
Not really. I love them all. I feel lucky to live in an area where we get to experience all the seasons. There’s so much to see in how the world moves and changes throughout the year.
What is it like to see your work hung up together for exhibitions?
Always exhilarating! I really love to sort of hang back and watch people react to my work.
What are you working on now?
I am building a frame/mount for a piece of artwork I recently bought from an artist in Trenton. I’m giving it to my daughter as a wedding gift. I build most of the mounts for my own art. I use reclaimed and repurposed materials.
Who are some of your inspirations or influences?
The Trenton area arts community gives me tons of inspiration. I’m fascinated by the intersection of nature and humanity; I find lots of inspiration there. I think every piece of art that has made me feel or think has had some influence on how I work. Fine artists, writers, movie directors, musicians, entrepreneurs, anyone who is a creator informs my work.
What is a dream project of yours?
I would love to do some collaborating with other artists to find ways to use photography in new and different ways. I would love to build something really big, maybe an outdoor installation. I would love to use some of my images to create fabrics and clothing or furniture.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
Just to keep growing, expanding my reach, moving into new spaces, new communities. I really look forward to having a studio someday!
Beth Ellen Jarvie is on Instagram at instagram.com/bethejarvie.photoart.
Photograph by Beth Ellen Jarvie,
