Artist Statement:
"My work is a reflection of my fascination with the fragmented, grid-like patterns found in nature which I use to abstractly capture the essence of landscapes and journeys. The paintings evoke topographical elements of forested valleys, rolling plains and lakes and are part of my series, Rewilding, which is inspired by the global initiative to restore, heal and conserve the environment. I draw inspiration from the colours, forms, and the rich textures found in “rewilded” landscapes then translate these elements into abstract compositions that evoke feelings of hope and interconnectedness with nature. I use my signature grid based motifs to dissect and reassemble these landscapes. This allows me to explore the intricate patterns and relationships found within ecosystems and abstractly capture the essence of the terrains. I use lines, organic and structural shapes to create movement and offer paths for the viewer to enter and engage with the pictorial space. The concept of regenerating and healing nature ignites a sense of hope within me and it symbolizes the possibility of healing not only for the Earth but also for ourselves as individuals and communities.​
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"I hope to connect with viewers who share my reverence for nature."​
Technique:
"I work intuitively and also from sketches, influenced by a visual library consisting of landscapes, travel, memories and satellite imagery. I use a variety of media either encaustic or mixed media and acrylic paint depending on the size and scope of the series or painting.​ I use multiple glazes, adding and subtracting paint with intuitive mark making to create surfaces rich in depth and texture which allude to surfaces and erosion found in nature and human made formations."
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Artistic Influences:
"I've long admired works by Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jasper Johns and Brice Marden. Martin for her spiritually based, serene grid paintings; Mitchell and Riopelle for their highly gestural, emotionally charged landscapes; Johns and Marden for their textured work and subject matter.
"Blue Marble III" 40"x 60" encaustic on panel. 2022 SOLD to Adam Sandler's production company for set design in his Netflex film "You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!" released on Netflix in 2023.
Bio:
Bettas is an awarding winning, academically trained visual artist born and raised in Canada. Bettas' earliest memory of creating art was at age three making drawings of people, flowers and horses. While art was always part of her life, she pursued a corporate career and then came full circle graduating from art college to embark on a life long passion of being a professional artist. She is known for her signature grid motif paintings and has exhibited in over sixty juried exhibitions in Canada and the USA and curated several exhibitions in Toronto. Her paintings can be found in private collections in North America and Europe. Bettas is represented by the Petroff Gallery in Toronto, ON and Galerie St. Laurent + Hill in Ottawa, ON. Her work was featured in the December 2022 Issue of Encaustic Arts Magazine with readership in 42 countries; the John B. Aird's national survey of Canadian contemporary art "Painting 2020"; the Elaine Fleck Contemporary Art magazine as an emerging artist to watch; and in Adam Sandler's 2023 Netflix movie "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah." Bettas' “District” painting is in the permanent collection in the Museum of Encaustic Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has served on volunteer executive committees of local non-profit art organizations from 2012 to 2017.
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Bettas is a former marketing professional and dot-commer accomplishing extraordinary success in strategic marketing initiatives, operations and account management. In her last position, she was the Head of Marketing Operations at AOL Canada Inc. She retired from the dot com world and graduated from the Toronto School of Art with a Fine Arts diploma (three year program) in Painting and Drawing. She is a graduate of McGill University with an Art History and Literature degree, and the University of Toronto Internet & Business Technology program. She grew up being immersed in Ancient Greek art which informed her decision to study Art History. She lives in Toronto with her husband, children and two rescue dogs. She has travelled all over the world and is fascinated by geography, cultural anthropology and history. Her mother's family are revolutionary heroes and are prominently featured in the National Historical Museum in Athens, Greece.
Studio view working on a 60"x 60" commission.
MAGAZINE FEATURE:
Anastessia Bettas is a feature artist in the Winter Issue of the juried Encaustic Arts Magazine. The magazine has a readership in over 42 countries, was the recipient of the 2016 La Vendéenne Award presented by International Encaustic Artists (IEA) for outstanding contributions to the advancement and practice of encaustic art in the Media category. Available as a digital/online magazine and is a full-color, full-length magazine. Click HERE.