McGill doesn’t run a fine arts program, but so many of us have creative potentials we yearn to unleash. It can be hard to get started on something new, so Bel Burkill chatted with Her Campus McGill about all things art, a life full of positivity and how you can get into the artistic world. Bel studies Illustration at the University of Bournemouth in England, and works in a variety of mediums.
Kate Brinksman for Her Campus McGill (HC McGill): What first got you involved in art?
Bel Burkill (BB): I think I’ve always been “arty”, mostly thanks to my Mum! As a Graphic Design graduate and now interior designer, she’s always – and always will! – influenced my artistic nature and interests.
Ever since I was little I’ve been doodling and painting, and I suppose from that I just naturally gravitated towards an art degree. But, mostly I just really enjoy it! It’s one of the only things I’m good at and it makes me incredibly happy and proud once I’ve finished a piece. To see how others respond to it, and hopefully enjoy it, that makes it worth doing.
So I suppose I’ve always been surrounded by art and design thanks to my mum; she’s my inspiration in everything, and as I’ve grown up I’ve discovered more and more avenues to take my artwork. I find new inspiration all the time!
HC McGill: What do you enjoy creating the most, and why?
BB: At the moment I’m really enjoying making more expressive and abstract pieces. Painting is probably my favourite medium, as there are so many possibilities with it! This summer in particular I’ve tried to be more expressive with my mark making and colours, and explore new painting techniques. For instance, marbling is really popular at the moment and I’ve always wanted to have a go at it! We marbled meringues (yep, you can do it!) in the deli I worked at over the summer, and this kick-started my new abstract fascination. I discovered a great at-home method using spray paints, which is perfect for putting metallic in the pieces. This then went onto another love of mine – book binding! This is why art is so great: you can just keep going, constantly discovering new methods!
HC McGill: Do you have a favourite colour scheme or pattern?
BB: I’ve always loved things that are a bit out there and different, especially bold colours and prints; this is why working in the abstract is so great. You can go as bold and out there as you want, and people will find their own love within it. And then you can put it on a cushion or a phone case and it’s loved even more! Turning prints into items beyond artwork is great, as it entirely changes the feel of the artwork.
HC McGill: McGill doesn’t run a fine arts program, so what would you suggest for those trying to get into art or wanting to try out a new skill?
BB: I’d say if you really want to try something new, just get going! Sometimes I’m worried about how a piece will turn out but if you don’t start it you’ll never know! Websites like Pinterest are great starting places for inspiration and even “how-to” videos. Social media is a great start-up destinaton; use your Instagram to get going, and find others out there to inspire you.
Also, keeping a sketchbook on the go is the best. Keep one out on your desk or in your bag, and just scribble down ideas, any inspiration you’ve seen or heard or read. It’s your visual diary to do whatever you want with it: to doodle, splodge some paint for patterns, or even to write down a poem.
Short courses are also a great way to learn and love a new skill. Something outside of university gives you the chance to meet others from diverse backgrounds, and I find that this widens your inspiration even further.
HC McGill: What feeling does art evoke within you? is it a form of escapism?
BB: Escapism is pretty spot on. When I’m painting, or editing something I get totally wrapped up in whatever it is I’m doing. I’m creating something totally new that’s never been seen before, and it’s a chance to just be creative and see where your head leads you. You have the freedom and the control over it.
HC McGill: Do you have other things you want to pursue, or do you want to turn art into a full time career? If so, do you have any ideas about what you’d like to do – most of us students don’t have a clue!
BB: This is my third year at uni, and the second of my degree in illustration, and people are already asking me what I want to do when I graduate! It’s a pretty scary thought, especially now when it appears to be so hard to find work doing something you love. But it’s still 18 months away, and I know that opportunities and changes will arise!
At the moment, my practice is all over the place; I am working a lot to meet current uni briefs and deadlines, as well as trying to get my own ideas onto paper. But recently I have fallen in love with pattern design – mostly in textiles. It’s pretty scary because I’m rubbish at sewing, but I do know that I’ve become a little bit obsessed with bold print and colour, and random brush strokes with little doodles! I follow so many pattern designers, print makers and independent shops on Instagram and I get a lot of inspiration from them.
Studying a degree in illustration has already opened so many doors for me and taught me so much. It’s such a varied area of art and design, giving me such breadth in creativity and knowledge, and this keeps me open minded about what the future holds. At the moment I’d love to push my practice towards textiles and see what happens.
HC McGill: During these gloomy finals, what life advice can you give to McGill students?
BB: It’s not forever! Whenever I’ve got something horrible coming up, I just think that it’s only for an hour or so out of your entire year! Also, countdowns help massively! Create a countdown for something to look forward to and aim for; Christmas isn’t far away now, and there’s New Year’s Eve too. Even just ordering some food can cheer you up. Little treats go a long way.
I’m also a big believer in positivity. Have that right mindset and everything will honestly be ok! Use positive thoughts to fuel whatever you do. Finally, “To Do” lists! These are especially important during finals. Have weekly ones, daily ones, annual ones! I’ve have loads scribbled everywhere, with little things and big important things, and ticking each one off makes you feel so much better, as you’ve actually accomplished it!
Finals don’t last forever, just use it as motivation to that countdown. Positive energy, your favourite coffee, a little retail therapy treat, and countdown to something you love, and then it will be over before you know it.
Take a look at Bel’s amazing work here.