Casey Beal is a Middleburgh, NY based textile and fine artist. Her work is greatly influenced by the continuous study of the flora and fauna of rural upstate New York: from the native varieties that inhabit the landscape to the agricultural livestock and crops that sustain its human population. Casey’s exploration of man’s ties to the environment attempts to transcend that of a casual observer, creating items that not only celebrate the beauty of nature, but encourage others to play an active role in its preservation. To live up to that same standard, she uses organic and sustainable textiles and digitally prints her original paintings in the US with eco-friendly water-based inks. In a continued effort to further understand the natural world, and better educate herself and the community on organic and sustainable gardening practices Casey is currently attending Master Gardener Training through Cornell Cooperative Extension. From hand painted hiking bags, to block-printed clothing and hand towels, to community murals, Casey is building a business that supports both the arts and the environment.
"As an artist I strive to create work that is beautiful and accessible to a wide audience. My artistic practice is based on survival through variation. Much like genetic variation improves the chances of the survival of a species, variation in medium ensures the continuation of my personal voice. Over time, this has meant that my work has been able to ebb and flow between mediums as I explore how different concepts can be best represented through different materials. With each transition, my voice and understanding of a medium is strengthened as I acquire new skills and test new approaches. One constant visible throughout my work is creating art and items that have a physical quality. I would not describe myself as delicate, and the mediums I work in reflect the raw physical strength and mental determination that only time and experience can provide. Much of my work is derived from images captured on walks with my daughter, visits with old friends, and moments exploring my garden. By being more grounded in nature and sharing that connection visually with the community at large, I hope to instill a sense of appreciation and desire in others to protect a fleeting world."