Our community of artists is the core foundation of Artfinder. With such a vast community based in all corners of the world, we wanted to help them share more about their artist journey, their artistic process and technique and what inspires them. Today, we chat with one of our amazing painters, Tamara Bettencourt.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
I'm Tamara Bettencourt. I'm from the United States residing in California. I've lived in California all my life, and relocated in the early 70s to Central California the bread basket of America. I graduated high school and enrolled in School of Cosmetology, graduated and I met my third generation farmer husband of 40 years and built a family. After the wonderful pleasure of raising two sons, I decided to fulfil my dream of becoming an artist. The need for this was always present as I watched my mother dabble on canvas with oils in my childhood. I found Artfinder in 2014 and decided to take a chance with them, feeling vulnerable about sharing my art with the world was to say the least something I haven't experienced at all as a lot of my own family did not know that I even painted. Right away I felt comfortable with the platform with great acceptance from other artists and art collectors. My experience with Artfinder gave me the confidence to be me and create.
How would you describe your work?
My artwork has been described by art collectors at my solo exhibitions as calming! I would agree. I would summarize my artwork as unique, free flowing, with a luxurious feel, modern in style and eclectic. Most of my artwork has an organic feel and look to it in which enhances the calm in my work.
What influences you and your work?
My influences are beautiful colours of nature. The beautiful sense and feel of the ocean with the colours of teal blue and greens of the waves. Always influenced by the beauty around us. Flowers, clouds, sunsets, all the beauty that our earth provides. I practice positivity and beauty in my paintings everyday. My work is always the intention to provoke peace, joy, happiness. With the free flowing strokes of organic colours shapes and forms hoping to engage and evoke peace with the viewer. No darkness only light, we have enough darkness in our world.
What does your creative process involve?
My creative process is continuous exploration of using many different mediums, techniques, and tools, as I'm curious as to what everything offers to make beautiful art. Painting I believe is the best way for me to amplify and share my feelings emotions and gratitude for this life.
Have you changed as an artist overtime?
I feel my work as an artist hasn't so much changed over time but, it has evolved. Currently my work is a product of my 20 years experience in life as an artist, conveying my most inward feelings.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
It's hard to choose a favourite, because all my art that I show to the world is in my eyes worthy to be shown. But if I had to choose it would be my largest piece I've created as of yet "Deep Blue". It's my favourite because the process of this painting is quite lengthy but came together with a beautiful flow and the end results were spectacular.
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
I think the role of an artist and art in society is simple. Intrigue, inspire, and touch people with our gifts.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
I would tell any emerging artist to paint for themselves. Paint like no one is looking. Art is subjective. Don't let any outside noise interfere with your vision of what you want art to convey to its audience.
Cover image via Tamara Bettencourt
