Artist statement
As a painter I am interested in the theatrical ambiguity and potential narrative content of a still landscape. The paintings are part descriptive and part imaginary but always stem from a truth of experience. The way in which I paint allows vivid brush marks to interrupt the viewing of the image whilst simultaneously being deeply embedded in the surface of the canvas. As well as the space holding a dramatic atmosphere, part of the narrative of the paintings is the process of making itself. My practise has an ever evolving insular nature, starting with a place from where I make drawings and paintings in situ. From these original drawings I make numerous further drawings which slowly become less about depicting a place and more about representing an experience of the place and how memories change, and this is how the paintings come in to being. Theatre stage design and cinematography both influence my consideration of placing the viewer within a psychological space.
Qualifications and training
- 2011 Bachelor of Arts with Second Class Honours (1st Division), The Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Employment
- 2008 Gallery assistant, Likailin Gallery, Prestbury, Cheshire
Solo exhibitions
- 2011 Bethany Gray, Cornerhouse Projects, Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, UK
Group exhibitions
- 2013 Exhibition in feature Gallery, Jack Seven's Art Gallery, 23a Chestergate, Macclesfield Cheshire
- 2012 Above, The Garage Project, Macclesfield
- 2012 Relative Values, The Art Lounge, Art Lounge, The Beehive, 67 Albion Rd, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EY
- 2011 Mixed Art Exhibition, Everyman Art Gallery, 50 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester
- 2011 Mimesis, Manchester Art Crawl, Triangle Shopping Centre, Manchester
- 2011 Group Show, Manchester Art Crawl, Piccadilly Place, Manchester
Degree shows
- 2011 Manchester Art and Design Degree Show, Manchester Metropolitan University, School of Art, Grosvenor Building, All Saints Campus, Manchester
Curated projects
- 2012 Co-director (voluntary), The Garage Project, 9 Greenhills Close, Macclesfield
Competitions, prizes and awards
- 2011 Ken Billany Prize, Manchester Metropolitan University, School of Art, Grosvenor Building, All Saints Campus, Manchester
Educational experience - primary
- 2012 Volunteer- arts teacher for after school club, Jack Sevens Gallery, 23a Chestergate, Macclesfield Cheshire
Educational experience - secondary
- 2012 visiting artist, King's School, Macclesfield
Personal website
