Q&A with Travers Smith's CSR Art Programme artist Bella Hall
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm from a town called Mirfield, in West Yorkshire and I always knew I wanted to move to London to feel more involved with the Art scene and to have accessibility to the amazing selection of galleries in London. I chose to study at Westminster as I love the freedom you were given to explore different art mediums, and through experimenting with all sorts of ways of making art I fell in love with painting. I enjoyed the options you had with the different types of paint, the ways of applying it and the vast history behind painting as a medium.
Tell us more about your work
My work mainly explores the formal elements behind a painting, such as colour, shape, line and composition. In the piece entitled 'Thorns of Christ' (in the Snow Hill reception area), I have focused on the hierarchy of shapes on the canvas as they fight to be focal point of the composition. This makes reference to Renaissance paintings of religious scenes where the most important figures (or items) of the image are larger or at the forefront of the composition, whereas in my piece they all hold an equal importance to the piece as abstract marks which intertwine with one another. I take a playful approach to producing art and want my work to be vibrant and bring a sense of happiness to the viewer.
How did it feel to be selected to take part in the CSR Art Programme?
I was delighted to have been selected for the programme! When getting the chance to view the variety of different types of work on display at Travers Smith, it made me proud to be a part of filling the walls with work that has the ability to have an impact on whoever has viewed it, whether it be brightening their day or making them question something. It's very rewarding to have the opportunity to display work amongst fellow students in celebration of the hard work that has been put into it.
How do you think being featured will help you in your emerging career?
It has already given me confidence within my work and reassurance that there is a place for it within a day-to-day setting and not just within a gallery. I have learnt a lot more about life after university in regards to self-employment and selling artwork, and that it is something I am interesting getting more involved in.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
After leaving university, I started working at a small independent jewellery brand called Wolf & Moon, where I am part of a small team of makers. I have enjoyed learning a new skill that I have not delved into before, and I am happy to be working hands on. I paint in my spare time, but I would love to be able to start selling my work and I aim to rent a studio space where I can produce more/larger pieces of work, as I strive towards completing an MA in painting in the near future.
Bella was one of our 2019-20 artists. Read about more of our Art Programme artists here.