I’ve never seen my art as a political statement though. I just like to create beautifully peaceful moments between women.
Continuing on with the 2020 Anti-Standard series, I introduce you to Bailey Becker, painter, illustrator, artist. I believe the underlying theme of this 2020 Anti-Standard series is the internet’s hidden gems.
Bailey’s work, driven by her personal experiences, filled with patterns and textures, feels nostalgic. I am reminded of coloring books and cartoons from my childhood times a thousand and more 🙂
I was able to talk to Bailey about her art-making process, and what drives her creativity:
T+P): In as much or as little detail as you’d like, what does art mean to you?
B): To me, art is the greatest form of self-expression someone can have. It is an incredibly important piece of culture and has been the backbone of movements since the beginning of time. Art is the biggest freedom a person can have.
T+P): When you sit down (or stand up!) to start a painting, where do you usually begin?
B): Usually, my art begins in my sketchbook. If I have a specific prompt, I’ll flesh out different ideas and draw out the small less finished versions of each one to pinpoint my favorite design. Then, I’ll draw up multiple versions of my favorite design to test out different color schemes and decide on the best one that fits the piece compositionally.
T+P): How has your personal life found its way into your art? (be as vague or detailed as you’d like)
B): I think my sexuality is a big factor in the art I make. I’m a lesbian, and I like to make art for other women-loving women. I’ve never seen my art as a political statement though. I just like to create beautifully peaceful moments between women. I hope to make even more art like this in the future, too.
T+P): What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever created and why?
B): I created an illustration during my time as an AP Art student last year titled “Kiss”. The piece can be described as the heads of two women kissing in the center of the piece surrounded by a swirling design of purples and pinks. It was my first piece I made about queer women and the illustration went through around 10 different versions before I decided on the finished product.
T+P): Tell us a personal anecdote that you hold close to your heart! It can be funny, embarrassing, or hell, make it up!
B): One night, I was casually talking to my dad while he was cutting vegetables for dinner. Somehow, we got on the topic of marriage. He was explaining the different decisions he and my mom had to make, and why it basically took a year to plan a wedding. I distinctly remember saying “Oh, well, I don’t even know if I’m going to marry any guy– or girl– if I’m being honest.” That’s when my dad stumbled with the tomatoes he had in his hands and dropped a few. He said, “Well I don’t think you need to be worrying about marriage at your age anyway.”
It wasn’t until I was in bed later that night that I realized I had accidentally come out to my dad and all he did was drop a few tomato slices.
Check out Bailey’s Links:
If you’d like to be a part of Thrifts and Prints Anti-Standard series, simply contact reach out on here, through email, or Thrifts and Prints on Instagram!
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