Meet artist and host of life drawing classes, Beth Kirby
I lived in Gloucestershire from the age of about 10. I’ve never been far from Bristol most of my adult life. I finally moved here in 2018 to move in with my partner.
Most people know me for my long-running life drawing classes that take place primarily in Stokes Croft. Recently, I also took part in the PechaKucha talk series at Strange Brew and sat on a panel at Sistaland festival, but I haven’t exhibited anything here since 2024. After years of doing odd murals and exhibitions, I’m taking this year to really try and develop my practice in the studio, so watch this space!
My favourite thing about Bristol is that it’s a strongly leftist city, and is proud of that. It’s great how accessible the art scene is, the food scene is incredible and I love all the cultures jammed on top of each other. But I wish Bristol was looked after better. Being scrappy is part of Bristol’s identity, but sometimes ‘scrappy’ really means ‘underfunded and overpriced’ and it bums me out.
Bristol is blessed with an incredible music and art scene, and it’s everywhere. To be honest, I find some of the spaces here, like KIT FORM and Strange Brew, really refreshing, and events like Shake (an illustration fair) and Simple Things are really cool. I like it when people take matters into their own hands and create what they wish existed. I love the work of my artist friends Richt and Rose ter Kuile, too.
Where’s my favourite place to eat? How much time have you got?
I love food. I think the restaurants La Panza and Native Vine are criminally underrated. The bao from Ding Sing are so good and they’re like two quid. Gigi’s for pizza, obviously. Alta Loma for tacos and jalapeño lemonade. Christmas Steps pub for a cosy winter pint.
It’s hard for any gems to stay hidden in Bristol. But if I had to choose it’s gonna be C. & T. Licata & Son’s Italian deli on Picton Street. They’re so sound in there and make delicious tiramisu; the prices are so good and I just feel like I’m a nonna visiting a little market with a basket to fetch my lunch when I go there.
I’m a country girl at heart, and I shrivel and die if I don’t go and look at loads of green things like, once a month. I usually drive out to Stroud or down to Chew Magna or out to Clevedon, but, luckily, you can drive anywhere for 30 mins and end up somewhere stunning!
Honestly, you never know when and where you might get inspired. Sometimes I’ll go to a park and be bowled over by how nice it is, or see some weird trash on the street or a crap sign which sets something off in me. I’ve literally got inspired in the Primark home section before, so I guess: walk around and be open.
Visit Beth’s website bethcub.co.uk and follow her Instagram @bethcub to find out more
