Artful Transformation: Beck Baumann’s Journey to Creative Success
Beck Baumann, a self-taught artist, has transitioned from remote tech support to a successful career in visual arts, transforming her once-hobby into a vibrant business. The path wasn’t straightforward; it began with casual sketches and simple crafts during work breaks, but circumstances would soon propel her into the art world.
From Hobbyist to Professional Artist
After losing her job during the economic downturn of 2008, Baumann sought to reclaim her creative identity. She enrolled in Truckee Meadows Community College to study graphic communications, rekindling her passion for art. Reflecting on her decision, she noted, “I was like, ‘I’ve denied that part of myself for so long.’ Whenever I would take an art class, it was always the happiest I’d ever been.”
In her pursuit of a creative profession, Baumann ventured into commercial illustration and graphic design. However, she quickly realized that client-driven projects offered little room for personal expression. With a surplus of craft materials accumulating at home, she decided to reconnect with her artistic roots.
Finding a New Path in Art
Determined to explore her creativity, Baumann embraced making art with her hands again. “It just brought me joy,” she stated, though her husband eventually urged her to find a way to share her creations instead of letting them pile up unused. This marked the beginning of her professional artistic journey.
Establishing a Brand and Exhibiting Work
In 2023, Baumann joined the Sierra Arts Foundation’s roster of vendors, showcasing her whimsical sequined art at events like the Brew HaHa. Her efforts captured the audience’s hearts, leading to her first solo exhibition titled All That Glitters, displayed at Reno City Hall in August 2024. Her most recent collection, Fun & Games, features 47 unique pieces and is currently showcased at the Oats Park Arts Center in Fallon until May 5.
Artistic Style and Creation Process
The vibrant studio in her south Reno home is a testament to Baumann’s passion, filled with shelves of sequins, fabrics, and upcycled materials. Her artworks are known for their playful themes, often recalling childhood memories and nostalgic technology. Highlighting her creativity, one of her installations features a potted plant adorned with sequins and munching on lollipops, while others depict retro televisions and a decorative duct-taped banana.
Baumann’s work prominently includes playful imagery of food and body parts intertwined, such as tongues and eyes, with her latest series featuring palm-sized, pink-sequined tongues embellished with sweets. This reflects her ongoing exploration of childhood nostalgia.
Interactive Art Experience
Initially hesitant about allowing viewers to touch her artwork, Baumann shifted her perspective after noticing how audiences gravitated toward her sequin fringe pieces. “You know what? Touch it,” she decided, recognizing the organic connection her work fosters with her audience.
Baumann’s artistic philosophy bridges fine art and craft, emphasizing that creativity can flourish outside traditional constraints. She argues that art should be accessible and delightfully diverse, stating that she would simply cover any box in sequins to display as art.
Upcoming Events and Viewing Information
Beck Baumann’s current exhibition Fun & Games is on display at the Oats Park Arts Center, located at 151 E. Park St., Fallon, running through Monday, May 5. An opening reception is scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday, May 3. The gallery welcomes visitors Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment, which can be made by calling 775-423-1440. Additionally, Baumann will be participating in the Punk Rock Flea Market on April 12 at the Futsol Sports Arena in Sparks.
For more information about her work, visit her website.