Artist Statement

Anya Beaumont is a visual artist and lecturer. Growing up in the rural north of England and then moving to Manchester and London, contrasts in the physical environment and its influence have been a significant factor in her practice.  Within her observations of place, concerns of contemporary life infiltrate the pieces and sit alongside musings on Britain's architectural story.

The Way-finder or Fingerpost (left) was a prop she devised for her 2015 solo exhibition at artsdepot, North London. Initially made to direct viewers to consider context of space and place in relation to her site-responsive work, it is an ideal metaphor for her practice as a whole. Concerned with the facets of an environment that build up our sense of a place - be they grandiose or banal - her work signposts overlooked elements that undeniably form part of our unconscious understanding of a place.

Responding to the increasing urgency of the climate crisis she has expanded her realm of research to include the natural world. This is further reflected in her continued use of pre-used (recycled) paper and plastics.

Anya received Distinction for her MA in Fine Art Theory and Practice from Middlesex University in 2004 and has since been engaged in a number of projects including residencies, commissions and making large scale maps. Anya relocated from London to Corsham in the west of England in 2015, where she is currently Artist in Residence at Pound Arts.

Anya in her studio with her Future Fossils ahead of her exhibition at Pound Arts in May 2024. Photo credit Russell Sachs.