Guest Blog: An Artist's Responsibility
ESGmark® member Beverly Endsley on an artist’s responsibility to the world around us
ESGmark®: Tell us more about what you do?
Beverly Endsley: I am an artist who allows my love of animals to lead my way. Oil painting is my preferred medium and I use only archivally correct material combinations.
ESGmark®: What inspires your work?
BE: I never quite know what is going to inspire me. Showing that spark of individuality in each creature is my driving force. I once fostered white rabbit brothers and couldn’t tell them apart without putting a mark in one of their ears. Since they are capable of knowing their names, I wanted to make sure I called them correctly. I decided to do a painting of them which required a lot of observation. At the finish of the painting, I could not believe I had ever confused them. They each had their unique spirt that showed through. After that, my mission was to reflect that individuality in any being I paint.
ESGmark®: How do you include sustainability into your work and business?
BE: Oil painting has its challenges. Higher grades of paint have more pigment meaning you don’t need to use as much to create your vision as you would with cheaper paints. I have just recently started playing with oil pigment sticks that you draw with and then can push around with a brush if you wish. The benefit here is that there is no waste and no tube to be tossed out. I never use turpentine or paint thinners. As for clean up, I don’t use toxic chemicals. I soak my brushes in a citrus cleaner and then mild hand soap.
ESGmark®: You're clearly very conscious of the materials you use in your work, do you think this is true of the broader artistic community?
BE: The artists I know are quite concerned about the environment and how to keep it safe. Some of the oil paints themselves are toxic if allowed in an open wound so many artist wear gloves for protection. This creates another disposal problem. Automotive centers will often take turpentine and paint thinner waste to dispose of properly. It is a constant struggle but one that most artists strive to win.
ESGmark®: What is your main business challenge?
BE: Finding that “target” audience is often challenging. Not everyone wants a camel that I fell in love with in Petra hanging in their living room. (luckily, one man did!) I do paintings for galleries and shows that are topic specific, but I find commission work much more rewarding.
ESGmark®: What do you see as your main business opportunity in the coming 12 months?
BE: So glad you asked!!! I was in the Antarctic and Sandwich Islands a few years ago and did a series of penguin paintings. I was told today that a piece I offered would be in an online auction benefiting the South Georgia Trust. Besides being an organization that deeply touches my heart, I will receive international exposure and reach people who love the land and animals there. Hopefully I will receive inquiries about my other work.
ESGmark®: What is the most important thing you have learnt during Covid/lockdown?
BE: I missed hugs! Seriously, it is that you show up to work (luckily, mine is a studio in my home) and work whether you feel like it or not. Even if you don’t know where the work will go (forever in my studio with no one to see?), just paint. It will keep you balanced and take your mind to a place of peace.
ESGmark®: Our final question! Do you have any exciting projects coming up you could share?
BE: I’m currently painting for a show in Arizona at the Mountain Oyster Art Show and Sale. This is always a great show and an honor to be invited. I’m also excited about giving over to a bit more abstraction to my work using those pigment sticks and larger canvases while still maintaining that individual spirit. A giant challenge for sure. Keep you fingers crossed for me!