Artist Statement

Based on working retreats to unique natural ecologies, my work explores deep or hidden micro and macro environments in the natural world. I focus on the recurring biomorphic bodies and passageways that can be found below the earth’s surface, under water, within its atmosphere, or in the expanse of outer space.

By researching and documenting the composition of these organic and mineral habitats, I build a visual vocabulary of patterns, forms, colors and textures that replicate in a fractal manner across different scales. Influenced by my personal background of total immersion in nature, I play with these graphic elements to express what I find most mysterious, engaging and thrilling about our natural world.

Some paintings are created by applying many transparent acrylic color layers that wrap around the canvas sides and exhibit a depth and translucency similar to encaustic. Others depict soil structure using dirt, compost and charcoal as art materials, thereby producing portraits of the subject matter using the subject matter as medium. Some canvasses are aged outdoors before stretching and painting. I also take microphotographs of my original paintings and print them on handmade paper pulped from recycled native habitat restoration and sustainable development reports.

Through these processes, I attempt to interpret and interact with places and materials in new ways, to reinforce our sense of connection with and stewardship of the earth.

Artist Bio

Betty Hageman grew up on 50 acres Michigan forest and wetlands, surrounded by cornfields and vineyards. She considers the natural environment to be her family of origin.

After obtaining her university degree, B.S. in Art with honors, she began her career as a graphic designer, eventually establishing her own business in Seattle, WA. Her focus was environmental sustainability and natural resources management issues.

Diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean coral reefs first inspired her to explore artwork using transparent color layers to build visual depth on canvas. In 2005 she began her fine art career as a natural extension of her business, looking for more creative freedom to explore and play with the natural world.

In 2006, Betty was accepted into Seattle’s new Artist Trust Edge Program for professional artists, graduating with one of the first classes. She began exhibiting in numerous juried exhibitions and gallery shows. That lead to artist residencies and fellowship awards in Georgia, Wyoming, Oregon and California.

Among other awards and commendations, Betty received a First Place Award from the Eastside Association of Fine Arts at their 2011 Open Juried Abstract Show in Seattle. Entitled “Alive Below,” the artwork was created using only soil, compost and charcoal on canvas. Jurors praised the unique materials used, and called the piece “mysterious and inviting.”

Also in 2011, Betty created a site-specific installation at ArtsWest Gallery in West Seattle, “Soil Horizons/Personal Horizons.” Kat Chow of the Seattle Weekly wrote, “Hageman combines earth-stained canvas and Plexiglass vitrines filled with natural, gathered materials to suggest how her internal processes reflect and parallel the Earth’s own processes of accrual.

Betty moved to San Diego in 2019, where she continues to offer graphic design services, fine art sales, and creative thinking workshops.