Q&A 

Where were you born?

In Santa Monica, CA.

What’s your real name?

Birgitta Bielat. Birgitta is my mother’s middle name. In Sweden, the nickname for Birgitta is Bibi. I’ve been called Bibi since the day I was born. Yes, you may call me Beebs (if you know me well enough), everyone else does.

If you could be anyplace in the world right now where would that be?

On a warm beach in the Pacific

What time did you get up this morning?

6AM
Scariest situation you have ever been in…

A flight I had landing in Redmond, OR. The tough Marine next to me was barfing, the woman behind me with a 2 year old had to have medics take her from the plane and everyone else was green and wobbly legged by the time we finally got on the ground. I think it was the getting on the ground that was scary, the high winds wanted to keep us in flight, then we suddenly dropped the last 20 feet and (luckily) hit the runway.

What was the last film you saw at the theater?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (American Version)

What other career/jobs besides painting have you done in your life?

I’m also a graphic designer and I shoot, edit and produce videos.

What did you want to be when you were little?

A flight attendant (stewardess)

coffee or tea?

I’ve become quite a coffee snob thanks to my friend Clay enos (organiccoffee.com) but I also love a proper English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’d have to say urban blight. I see the beauty in the decay and decrepitude, like a weed growing through the cracked wall in an abandoned building and rusted old machinery . I can explore “those” parts of town and dream of buying an old building and reinventing it into a live work space.

I also love good light, the way a low winter sun casts a soft light through the trees or the way it reflects off a mirrored building.

Ocean or mountains?

Both. I’m a beach girl mostly. I will go in the water no matter how cold it is. I love the mountains I especially love Yosemite.

What are your goals with your art?

I just want to make art that is accessible for most people. I want a successful business out of doing what I love. I understand that art is not just creating, it’s a business too.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Sushi

Any pet peeves? 

It’s espresso, not expresso and supposedly not supposubly

How long have you been making art?

I’ve been making art since I was a kid, you should see my macaroni on construction paper piece I made when I was five. I got started painting with metallics in 2000. I was a few years out of college I was buying adult furniture and going antique shopping but I still couldn’t afford original art and I was done with buying prints so I decided to make my own art.

Why do you make art?

Lots of reasons. I love it. I make art because it’s my zen. When I’m painting I am in such a hyper focused zone that nothing else in the world can penetrate my attention, it’s like a meditation. I also want to share what I make with other people. I get huge satisfaction out of people telling me they love my work. If I would give my work away to anyone who said they liked it if I could afford to do that.

Favorite cereal?

I don’t eat cereal. I don’t eat anything that comes from a box. Food comes from a farm not a factory.

What’s your favorite time of day?

I love being in my studio early in the morning as the sun is coming up with a good strong cup of tea or organic coffee.