SOULFUL HUMANS: Siddartha Beth Pierce: Artist, Poet, Editor, African and Contemporary Art Historian

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Siddartha Beth Pierce: Artist, Poet, Editor, African and Contemporary Art Historian - Washington, District of Columbia, Usa

Siddartha Beth Pierce's portrait

Siddartha Beth Pierce: "A voice alone can carry a nation. If one strives to be the best and most honest they can in their work and lives, these actions carry to one person and then subsequently to each of those that they come in contact"

BPP: Who are you? And who you really are?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: I am Siddartha Beth Pierce: a Mother, artist, poet, educator and African and Contemporary Art Historian. I truly enjoy watching my son grow and prosper and he is the greatest creation I have come up with thus far…he inspires and holds my full admiration. In addition, I am a Virginian, enjoying the pleasures of the landscape at the foothills of the Appalachian Trail, near where I was raised, outside of the hustle of the beltway of Washington, D.C..

"L'arbre de Famille" : Forged and welded steel, rope and scented wax

"Womb": Stone Sculpture

BPP: If you could say something important to others who were listening, what would you tell them?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: The second chapbook I am currently working on is entitled ‘Ripple’, it will be a collection of Nature inspired poetry for the most part. The concept of the ‘Ripple Effect’ is truly a phenomenon that inspires me and encourages me to continue with my creations. The ‘Ripple Effect’ is defined as “A gradually spreading effect or influence”. I have found in relation to family, friends, students and the public in general, that they are mightily influenced by a mere suggestion or vision. A voice alone can carry a nation. If one strives to be the best and most honest they can in their work and lives, these actions carry to one person and then subsequently to each of those that they come in contact with including their own children, parents, family, friends and so forth.

"My Lungs" : Cigarette Butts, Lipstick, Latex

"Roar", Forged and welded steel with rope and scented wax

BPP: What is your true dream, the one that keeps you up at night and if one day it were to come true you would feel peace and calmness in your heart?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: A true dream of mine would be to find an end to suffering in the world. Although, without suffering one would not know enjoyment either. Therefore, there is always that sort of dichotomy happening within our Universe that keeps us awake and aware, working and playing each and every day and night.

"xray Installation"

Siddartha Beth Pierce working on "Consumed"

"Consumed", Welded Steel

"Two Tale" : Giclee Print, 2' x 3'

BPP: How is life currently for the people in your country and what would you wish for them and for the planet at large?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: Currently, the United States is in a state of political turmoil as the elections near. There are wars being raged between campaigns, states, families over one issue or many, depending. This is a very tumultuous time in our world for all nations. I find that the creative process is a healing process, one in which a person may find solace and show respect both for oneself and for others. I would wish that the world would be a place quill to parchment and people could draw or write their feelings, thoughts, wishes, dreams, aspirations and difficulties rather than taking their strife out on others and placing blame.

"O'Keefe's Flame"

"Tomato rose" mixed media

BPP: If you had a chance to be a child again would you choose the same life?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: If I had the chance to be a child again, I would, I believe continue as I have. I am thankful for a wonderful, adventurous childhood and a supportive, fun family. Pablo Picasso once said, ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.’ To be a child again or remain one at least at heart and/or spirit is essential to me.

"Untitled"

"La Fleur": Monotype Print

BPP: What was the exact moment that you realized what you wanted to do with your life? How did you feel at this very moment?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: When I was three years old and attended pre-school, once a week, a woman would enter our classroom with a rolling cart full of all sorts of miraculous objects. She was our art teacher. I remember distinctly wanting so badly to get my hands on every object she had on her cart and do something with them. Jasper Johns is quoted: ‘Take an object. Do something to it. Do something else to it. Do something else to it again.’ This notion certainly sums up my three year old needs and nothing as yet has extinguished that desire.

"Cricket and Rosie", 2011, Pastel and Charcoal on Paper

'Timmons', Pastel on Paper, 18" x 24", 2010

BPP: Would you like to tell us something we didn’t ask until now?

Siddartha Beth Pierce: I am extremely grateful to be included in this project. I want to thank all of those involved for this opportunity. In addition, I would like to end with a quote of mine from a poem I wrote as the Artist Statement for my Solo Exhibition at Virginia State University, Meredith Gallery in 2001 which was featured on PBS:

"By Candlelight and Quill by Night" : for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Collage, now showing at art6 Gallery in Richmond, Virginia

'Dogwood Dell" : Mixed Media Painting

Siddartha Beth Pierce's drawing fro BPProject

‘What makes me special?

I am special because I care that someone should ask such a thing of me.

If I ever do a good thing, it will be because there are good things and good people behind me. When I dance on the bar, will you give me a shot?

May we all rest in peace, eventually…

Siddartha Beth Pierce was here March 28, 2001, 9:05 pm EST.’

Many thanks and kindest regards.

Siddartha Beth Pierce for her book "In the begining and the end"

Note: The first chapbook of Siddartha Beth Pierce was released this August 2012 by Writing Knights Press, it can be found at the following link or copies may be ordered via the author: