Details

First Name	Bethany
Last Name	Reid
Username	bethanyreid
Region	Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Disciplines	Applied Arts and Craft, Drawing, Film, Installation, Moving Image, Sculpture, Sound
Themes	Environment, Landscape, Site-specific, Political, Narratives

Statement

My work is driven by a deep interest in animal welfare, offering a reflective examination of contemporary human-animal dynamics. Through a cyclical process of research and creation, I scrutinise societal narratives surrounding these interactions. Beginning with 2D sketches, my sculptures gradually take shape as animal forms crafted from recycled and textile materials.

I strive to ignite curiosity and compel viewers to reflect on their ethical positions regarding non-human animals. My aim is to evoke empathy and awareness about our relationships with animals, fostering a deeper connection and a sense of responsibility towards them.

My previous work has been influenced by the disparity in knowledge about meat production between children and adults. I use my platform as an artist to promote education and awareness, inviting audiences to engage with my research and explore curated resources. Through this engagement, I hope to inspire a more informed and compassionate perspective on animal welfare.

Biography

Bethany Reid is an artist mainly focused in sculpture and puppetry performance work, she graduated from Gray’s School of Art in 2024 with a first class honours in Contemporary Art Practice. Since graduating, she received the Gray’s School of Art ‘Socially and Environmentally Engaged Creative’ Award, the Society of Scottish Artists (SSA) New Graduate award and she was selected for the 2024 RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition.

She also completed a year residency at Gray’s School of Art where she was able to assist with classes/workshops and contribute to meaningful student crits and discussions. Through this residency she also received funding from Creative Scotland’s Open Fund and through the Aberdeenshire Councils VACMA funding.

Her practice explored the complexities of human-animal relationships, addressing contemporary societal issues concerning non-human animals. Bethany sees her position in the art world as a necessary point in time to question how we use non-human animals and to conceptualise work that can encourage an educational focus as well as sparking a meaningful dialogue between the consumer and the consumed.