BIOGRAPHY
A Catalyst for Connection Through Printmaking
Bess Frimodig is a visionary artist who harnesses the power of printmaking to forge meaningful connections and ignite vital conversations around imagination, community, and sustainability. Her art transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a catalyst for change and a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, rooted in the wisdom of craftmanship and materials.
A Lifelong Passion, Globally Inspired
Bess's lifelong dedication to printmaking began in early childhood, sparked by the imagery of Hiroshige's The Fifty-Three Stages of the Tokaido. This fascination awarded her, at the age of 16, to a prestigious scholarship in Japan, where she immersed herself in the world of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Over decades, Bess has cultivated her passion into a remarkable global career, marked by extensive travel, study, and teaching. Her academic achievements, including a Ph.D. in Fine Art Printmaking, underscore her dedication to exploring the role of art and creativity as a unifying force.
Transforming Public Spaces Through Collaborative Art
Bess's commitment to accessibility and engagement is evident in her dynamic public projects, spanning hospitals to world-renowned museums. Notable endeavors include 'We built this City ' with War Veterans in London, the Unbox Art and Science Festival in India, the award-winning "Six Senses Garden" project with the NHS, which fostered dialogue around social design and political expression, and a collaborative herb garden print at the Victoria and Albert Museum, involving 300 participants.
An Artist of International Acclaim
As a practicing artist with an international exhibition record, Bess's work is held in esteemed permanent collections worldwide, including the Brooklyn Museum, The Rothko Foundation, and the Amsterdam Institute of Social History, solidifying her position as a significant figure in contemporary printmaking.
Art as a Bridge: Connecting People and Ideas
Bess's philosophy centers on the transformative power of art to connect people and inspire action. Whether working within communities or creating in her studio, she consistently seeks to make her art accessible and meaningful. Each print is a contribution to a larger dialogue, an opportunity to leave a lasting impact and empower others to do the same.
A Recognized Leader in Art and EducationBess's impact extends beyond her personal artistic practice. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK, she has been recognized for her exceptional teaching, earning a nomination in 2024 as one of the four best university tutors in the country. Her work consistently empowers individuals to engage with art as a vehicle for storytelling, idea-sharing, and collective participation.