Meet Our 2024 Poster Artist
Bekah Zeimetz: Capturing the wild beauty of nature.
Bekah Zeimetz, a self-taught artist from Eugene, Oregon, brings the magical beauty of wildlife—animal and plant—to life through her art. Her deep love for animals, nurtured since her childhood in Iowa, profoundly influences her captivating work.
Bekah's artistic journey took flight after moving to Oregon in 2016. The lush landscapes and diverse fauna of the Pacific Northwest became her muse, especially during the solitude of the pandemic. Her process starts with immersive experiences in nature, from hikes and birdwatching to capturing reference photos on trips. A memorable encounter with an eagle while biking to work along a creek ignited her passion for photography, leading her to invest in a camera with a powerful lens to meticulously capture the unique and intricate details she later translates into her paintings.
Drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Georgia O'Keefe, Vanessa Foley, and Carla Grace, Bekah exclusively uses acrylic paints. Her technique involves the delicate balance of tiny brushstrokes for intricate details layered over larger swashes for expansive backgrounds. Her journey from painting pet portraits to creating lifelike depictions of wildlife reflects a natural gravitation towards realism that has been with her since her early school days.
“I love coming to the Corvallis Fall Festival because the crowds are so excited to be there—locals and the OSU students—are so into nature.”
Encouraged by friends who had participated in the Festival before, she debuted in 2022. The festival holds a special place in her heart because it coincides with her birthday and because the local natural spots surrounding Corvallis, like Finley, Alsea Falls, and Marys Peak, inspire Bekah.
This year, Bekah will feature a piece specifically designed for the festival, highlighting fall animals and flora, with Oregon Grapes at the centerpiece against a white background, reflecting her feelings about Corvallis. “When I submitted my concept, I was excited to paint it, whether it won the honor of representing the festival or not! I am looking forward to seeing it on the posters, t-shirts, and other merchandise.”
Bekah's art is not just a testament to her love for nature, it's a transformative experience. Each piece, meticulously crafted with thousands of tiny brushstrokes, captures the magic of the wild, inviting viewers to not just observe, but to truly reconnect with the natural world. Through her work, Bekah hopes to bring a sense of joy and intimate connection to everyone who experiences her paintings.
Interview by Stacey Newman Weldon, who - when she isn’t exploring local artists- inspires people to create an adventure mindset over at www.adventurewednesdays.com