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

Hi Beth, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because creativity is at the center of my career, most of my time is spent exploring. At any moment in my day, I can be making new things or new ideas or new tiny little worlds to escape into. What’s awesome about creativity being a career and not just a profession, is that in addition to making new things, I’m continually looking for new ways to connect to the world. Business is an opportunity for me as an artist to find my audience.

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.
I’ve worked in both design and contemporary art my entire career. They tend to inform one another. My painting makes my design work stronger, and my design work keeps my paintings fresh. On both sides, I combine digital and tactile elements, which makes my work have a unique style that people respond well to. Most of my work has been motivated by helping others through artistic connection. My hope for my art is that it makes the world a better place. As I have continued, however, I have learned that my journey benefits my own growth as much as it reaches my audience. As I have connected with people, I have connected with myself just as much.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

When I first moved to Miami, four years ago, I heard someone say, “The best thing about Miami is that it’s really close to the United States.” That joke holds so much truth. Miami is the most international place I’ve ever lived. You can travel all of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe in only a few miles. I was surprised to discover, upon moving here, how my relationship with the earth would blossom. Miami has such a thriving community of farmers, herbalists, and animal lovers. In addition to the community of people who love the earth, there are so many unique plants and animals, literally right in my back yard. Usually my back yard is where the tour begins, we point out all the plants, the spiders, and the bees. The next stop in our tour is always the beach. So many times I’ll look out at the insanely beautiful teal water and think, “Oh my gosh, we live here!!”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have stopped making work long ago had it not been for those moments when people tell me that they connect with my work. Sometimes it’s a stranger, sometimes a close friend. Those connections provide the validation I need to keep doing what I do.

Website: bethmade.com
Instagram: @bethmade_
Twitter: @bethmade

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