ABOUT

Bethany Mabee is an abstract painter from Illinois. Bethany uses her studio practice to explore the parallels between art and everyday life. She is fascinated by the contrasts that we navigate within ourselves and the cyclical patterns that are present in the world around us. These themes are represented in her process with the use of improvisation against intention and the contrast of fluid feminine markings against bold masculine lines. Each step of her process refuels a future process, becoming a symbol of our continuous and cyclical expansion. Works on paper inform the palette for large scale paintings. Small areas of her completed paintings are digitally plucked out to become patterns for fabric + wallpaper. Cut up works on paper and fabric remnants are used for collage.

Bethany began her career in Chicago, IL at a handmade textile manufacturer. This eventually led to a long-term role in furniture procurement management at an architecture firm. While developing her painting practice behind the scenes, Bethany was lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the city’s most talented interior designers and the trade’s best product lines during her time at the firm. These experiences furthered her enthusiasm for art + interiors and became a stepping stone in expanding her painting practice into pattern design.