Mixed media fantasy illustrator and portrait artist with a fine art edge.
Professional Experience
Olivia Beelby (b. 1997 Flint, MI) is an artist (for life) and illustrator (for money). They received their BFA in illustration from College for Creative Studies in 2019. Since then their practice has been informed by a variety of experiences, including working as a graphic designer, an early childhood educator, and as a figure drawing instructor at their alma mater. They’ve also channeled their skills and interests to a variety of studio work for gallery display and private commissions. Aesthetically Beelby’s work includes an emphasis on media experimentation in narrative illustration, one they hope will disrupt expectations within the narrative art industry and promote the role of the artist as researcher, experimenter, and synthesizer.
Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions
2024:
Mural, private commission, Downtown Ferndale
Art Buddies Vol. 18, Hard Gallery Detroit
Summer Fantasy, Group exhibition, 333 Midland Annex Gallery
Ideating Workshop, Scuola Creativa
NSFW, Group Exhibition, Detroit
2022:
Art Buddies Vol. 15, Hard Gallery Detroit
2023:
Some Fantasies, Solo exhibition, Vault of Midnight Detroit
2021:
Body as Defined, Group exhibition, Collective Behaviors Detroit
How to Kill Your Houseplants, Group exhibition, KO Studio Gallery Hamtramck
Salut VI, Group Exhibition, Nucleus Portland
Art Buddies Vol. 13, Hard Gallery Detroit