Meet Bethany Joseph | Contemporary Realist Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Joseph and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
With all things, life is a constant push or pull. To say yes to one thing means saying no to another and when I approach a matter that is of meaning, I have to evaluate how precious is the time I am devoting. My background is in sales and I sold educational products door-to-door to pay for college. Instead of focusing on the results and putting pressure on myself or the customer to buy, I instead was taught to put pressure on the metrics. As long as I saw thirty families a day, statistics would be in my favor someone would buy. The same goes for art. The time I am investing is worth more than the body of work I am creating in the moment. While the studies were not frame worthy or even interesting to look at, they were the building blocks to get me to the place I am wanting to go. To give up on the building blocks means I will never reach the outcome.

If the purpose is not strong enough to withstand tension, discomfort, and even setbacks, then it is not worth pursuing. Instead, I would encourage one to find a different path that makes he or she come alive. There are days of growing roots and days of bearing fruit. The growing roots are vital to bear the fruit and to give up too soon would jeopardize all the hard work invested. Giving up, however, is a wise tactic when the losses are too great and there is no point of return.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art has been a part of my family’s legacy as I am a fifth generation artist. My father taught me art on Saturday mornings growing up and our house was filled with relatives’ work. My grandmother painted portraits and my great grandfather and great great grandmother painted landscapes. I always dreamed of being an artist but was too timid to fully pursue it as the cliche starving artist kept me away. I majored in Business Management at Texas A&M and thought I could paint on the side to stay fulfilled. It was only after a year into sales with a floundering company that I decided to quit my job and attend an art workshop in Scotland where the passion was reignited. I knew I had found my calling. Shortly after my first trip to Scotland, I was accepted to Edinburgh Atelier of Fine Art full time and moved to Edinburgh to pursue my dreams. This type of school, an atelier (French for workshop), is a classical school based on the Old Masters Methods and is set up like an apprenticeship. Students study under a master for four years before they are proficient in drawing and painting. I attended for two semesters and had to take a hiatus for a few years until I began again at The Texas Academy of Figurative Art in Fort Worth.

I am most proud of carrying on my family’s tradition of realist artists. I take workshops with my father and now get to help him learn concepts I have been taught. My excitement comes from having the tools I need to create a work of art I have envisioned and be proud of it. My biggest takeaway from training in this profession is learning how to see and draw what is in front of me and not the stylized version. It is an ever thrilling and humbling feeling that I have this opportunity to create pieces my great great grandchildren will have..

Realism often gets overlooked as stale or outdated. However, I am proud to be a realist artist because I get to help the viewers behold beauty from what is around us. Techniques and skills are crucial for making objects believable and take years and even decades to master. I want my art to have a softness that invites wonderment but subjects that reflect purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fort Worth is the best of both worlds- big city but small feel. Summer Moon is the all time best coffee house and I recommend the 1/3 Summer Moon Latte as their Moon Milk can be a tad too sweet. For a delicious lunch, you can’t go wrong with the molca bowl at Salsa Limon on Magnolia street. Then, window shop at the University Park Villages and have the best sushi you have ever tasted at Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar. I recommend getting there incredibly early as seating is incredibly limited and the wait is normally very long. It is worth it though and make sure to try the Salmon Belly.

For fun activities, the stockyards is a must and two stepping at Billy Bob’s is always a hit! In the same country theme, visit the Sid Richardson museum and view their amazing Remington and Russell collection then head to Rodeo Goat for their burgers.

For a casual tapas restaurant, I recommend Wabi House happy hour then head over to the Amon Carter and visit their incredible collection for free! Thursday nights they stay open later. Lastly, don’t miss out on the hidden gem of Coco Shrimp and try the Spicy Shrimp plate.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Zach, who time and time again encourages me to pursue my calling and he picked up a second job so I can attend art school full time. He has sacrificed his dreams and career to help me achieve my artistic dreams and I will spend the rest of my days thanking the Lord for giving me the kindest man.

Instagram: bjofineart

Linkedin: Bethany Joseph Wheeler

Image Credits
Angie Catron Photography- headshot with Cactus Alley in the background. All other images are personal.