Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Alcala.
Hi Beth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a mother of two trying her hand in the art scene. I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. Art has always been a big part of my life. I was diagnosed with a form of Autism and Dyslexia when I was 5, and one of the only things that helped me get through everyday life was creating.
I started drawing mostly as hobby when I was a kid, and would pretty much draw whatever, I didn’t really have a style. Over time I decided to start taking some art classes. I attended classes at school, in the Parks and Rec programs, and even took summer art classes at LACMA which was my first experience with live models. I would occasionally enter competitions, but for the most part I liked drawing just for myself.
In High School I started getting more focused on my art. I tended to sketch during most of my classes, which would sometimes negatively reflect my grades. Whenever I would go out, I would normally carry a sketch book around in case I felt inspired, or board, which was a lot of the time. I started developing insomnia so I would spend most nights up drawing till 3 or 4 in the morning. I also did the makeup for my High Schools VMA production of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Even though I spent most of my time focusing on art, I was somehow able to attract my future husband, Andrew, who became yet another large distraction from my schooling. Despite all of that, I was somehow able to graduate, and on honor roll in 2002.
I went to Glendale Community College right after High School where I focused most of my attention on my three loves, Art, Film, and Andrew. I was able to take my first life drawing class with nude models, which greatly developed my drawing skills. I also started experimenting more with other mediums like charcoal.
Before I decided to try a career as an artist, I wanted to work in the film industry. I transferred to The Los Angeles Film School where my main focus was directing and editing. After graduating I worked in film for about 5 years. I mostly took jobs as a Production Assistant, and Freelance Editor, but over time I became drained from the Hollywood film life and decided to walk away from film and start focusing on my art once again.
When I returned to my art, I was less stressed, and surprisingly started focusing a lot on painting, which I used to shy away from based on the permanency of paint, but so far, I’ve been loving the outcome. I still don’t have a set artistic “style”, and I don’t think I ever will, I guess I just don’t like feeling boxed in. I’m now married with two children, and work in art in one of the most overly art saturated places on earth, LA County. Though I consider myself a “starving artist” I’ve never been happier. I do art shows, festivals, craft fairs, and I continue to work with many different mediums like paints, pencils, wood, digital, etc., but I’m always looking to find new ways to express myself.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life has never been easy living on the Autistic Spectrum. I do art shows and craft fairs, but my condition make socializing very challenging. After a show is done, even if I had fun, I tend to avoid people. Being around people, even if I love there company, is extremely draining. I guess I’m consider “high functioning”, which basically means I’m good at faking normal. So any time I have a moment when I can’t wear the mask anymore, the people who say the are “understanding and tolerant”, turn out to be lairs. I am judged harshly for something I can’t change about myself. So trust in my world doesn’t really exist. I must always perform for people so they are comfortable. The only people I feel comfortable around is my husband and kids, but I don’t have to hide myself from them.
The art scene is really fun, but also quite the monster. I love creating, but I hate trying to sell my work. Most people want to buy a peace of the artist more than the art. Some no matter how good my art is, if I’m not putting on a great performance I’m not selling. So I push myself into an uncomfortable spot, working my hardest to be social, fun, and look happy. When all I want to do is put up my work, and be invisible.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I mostly focus on acrylic paintings. My best work I think is with realism. I’m always being told that my realism paintings look like photographs. I’m trying to stretch out more with serialism, I’ve done several pieces of women sprouting flowers which I greatly enjoy.
The painting I was most proud of I sold years ago. To this day kind of wish I’d kept. It was a acrylic painting of one of the Gentlemen on the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, from the episode called “Hush”. I painted it in one day none stop, with such detail I impressed myself. Which never happens.
I’m not sure what sets me apart from other artist. I feel that’s a better question for the people that like my work. But I guess two things might be my shirts the say “Boggers” on them in cursive. Or my wooden, hand carved, fertility key chains, aka penis key chains.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Well, wouldn’t go so far to say I’m successful. But I guess what helps me is that I keep trying, even when things don’t always work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbybethalcala.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art.by.beth/
Image Credits
Jaycee Alcala (me painting a Raven)
