Bethany Kee-Booth

A note from the artist:

“Drawing inspiration from a visit to Tofukuji in Kyoto, Japan, I picked one of the plants growing within this temple as a base image. Exterior acrylic paint was used for added durability for outdoor or indoor use. The monochromatic colors of I Want to Understand You not only corresponds with the life of these plants, but it displays a palette which encourages children of all genders to use and interact with. Keeping our current conceptions of gender and color in mind, a more “neutral” color for both genders was one of the main goals of this design with the inclusion of baby rabbits to represent who this box is truly for: children.”

Artist bio:

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in drawing (2017) and a current residence in Phoenix, Arizona, Bethany Kee-Booth is known for her multimedia work which spans from oil painting, watercolor, and fiber work. Line, metaphorical imagery, and color are the current elements she uses the most in her art.

Using rabbits and organic shapes as a metaphor to explore formal relationships between the individual and others, her current work focuses on exploring the pressures society places in relation to gender and how strong assumptions can have negative results.

Limitations, pre-conceived personality traits, and assumed preferences can create gaps between people, and they can limit the complexity found within ourselves and others if gone unquestioned.