ABOUT
WHAT IS BETH AUTUMN?
Beth Autumn is a ministerial creative house and artistic pseudonym of Chanel Smith. Beth Autumn's online presence launched in 2017. Drawing inspiration from the Hebrew meaning of "beth" (house of God), her desire is for this to be a place where God dwells and is glorified through artistic expression. "Autumn" represents the season when Chanel was born and the rich revelations that can be extracted from harvest time. Like the shulamite in Song of Songs, Chanel's hope is that fruit from her gifts can be found here for God to take pleasure in. She believes that being an artist is a sacred vocation and uses her artistry to glorify God, edify believers and inspire non-believers.
BIOGRAPHY
Chanel Smith is a Jamaican visual artist based in Florida, creating artwork inspired by Scripture and personal worship. Her artistic practice moves freely across painting, graphic design and jewelry design.
PAINTINGS
Chanel's vibrant abstract paintings employs evocative movement guiding the viewer into deep contemplation and repose. Confident brush strokes sweep the canvas narrating a visual story that's best understood spiritually and emotionally. This method of painting allows the viewer the liberty to connect their unique life experiences with the colours and gestures at play.
Statement - "I view gestural mark-making as a vocabulary and utilize it to create allegorical paintings alluding to Scripture and the intersection of my faith in Christ. Rooted in the conventions of abstract expressionism, I embrace marks that form by chance married with deliberateness to convey specific narratives. I enjoy creating what does not yet exist and view creation as a fulfilling collaborative experience with God. Thus, I approach my work as a sacred vocation with the given liberty of childlikeness in exploration."
JEWELRY DESIGN
Chanel's jewelry work is a combination of ecclecticism and statement minimalism exhibiting her relish for contrasting styles. She is inspired by biblical events and narratives and displays them through her primary medium of polymer clay.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Chanel believes that design is a vehicle that transports a message. She is passionate about equipping SMEs and artisans with the visual imagery and design needed to support their God-given dreams and what He has trusted them to steward. Therefore, she understands the weight of a business endeavor and creates impactful and memorable designs that declare businesses and organizations as set apart in their respective industries.
Chanel professes that art is a powerful and unifying tool that gives language to the intangible and divulges what is hidden within. Through art, she hopes to create a space for others to rest, unfold and behold.
Outside the studio you can find Chanel exploring new boba cafe's and restaurants, thrifting vintage patterned apparel, singing in her church's choir and playing chess.
"This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness." - Elisabeth Elliot
CURRICULUM VITAE
Chanel Smith
b. 1995, Kingston, Jamaica
Lives and works in Florida.
Education
2022, Bachelor of Arts, Visual Arts Management, Minor in Digital Media, University of Central Florida
2022, 3 Year Completion of Theological & Ministry Studies, Jesus School, Jesus Image
2017, Associates of Arts, Concentration in Graphic Design, Broward College
Solo Exhibitions
2023, West Elm Local, West Elm, Mall at Millenia, (Orlando, FL)
2018, West Elm Local, West Elm, Mall at Millenia, (Orlando, FL)
2018, West Elm Local, West Elm, Mall at Millenia, (Orlando, FL)
2017, Holiday By, J.Crew, Galleria Mall, (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
2017, Selected Artist, Pottery Barn, Town Center at Boca Raton, (Boca Raton, FL)
2017, The Beth Autumn Effect, Northwest Regional Library, (Coral Springs, FL)
Selected Exhibitions
2020, East Orlando Exchange, DUO58, Let's Meet at The Table, (Orlando, FL)
2019, CYN Pop-Up Market, Create Your Nature, (Orlando, FL)
2019, Evening Exchange, Freehand Goods, East End Market, (Orlando, FL)
2019, Evening Exchange, Freehand Goods, East End Market, (Orlando, FL)
2019, Evening Exchange, Freehand Goods, East End Market, (Orlando, FL)
2019, Evening Exchange, Freehand Goods, East End Market, (Orlando, FL)
2019, CYN Pop-Up Market, Create Your Nature, (Orlando, FL)
2019, Evening Exchange, Freehand Goods, East End Market, (Orlando, FL)
2019, 20th Annual Taste of Orlando, Waterford Lakes Town Center, (Orlando, FL)
2019, Mellow Market, The Owls Attic, The Owls Attic (Orlando, FL)
2018, Art After Dark, Lake Nona Events, Lake Nona Town Center, (Lake Nona, FL)
2017, Wynwood Thrifter Market, Thrifter, Wynwood Marketplace, (Miami, FL)
2017, Fixate, RAW Artists, Revolution Live, (Miami, FL)
2016, Opening Mixer, Design Moves, (Oakland Park, FL)
2016, Margate Under The Moon, Indie Craft Bazaar, Food in Motion, Margate CRA Margate City Hall (Margate, FL)
2016, FATvillage Artwalk, FATVillage, FATVillage Art District, (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
