About us
Meet the Artistic Minds Behind the Canvas
Hello friends! We are Ruth Stephenson and Pariya Ziakas, practicing artists and arts educators based in the picturesque Mount Gambier, South Australia. With a shared passion for art and a combined teaching experience of over 45 years, we’ve transitioned from the formal classroom setting to infuse artistic experiences into new and vibrant settings.
Take a moment to explore our ever-evolving list of creative classes, courses, and social events, updated weekly on this home page. Should you have any questions or simply want to connect, reach out to us at hello@beartiful.com.au
We extend a warm welcome to our BeArtiful Creatives, nestled at 40 Gray Street, Mount Gambier. We look forward to sharing the joy of art with you on this creative journey.
Recent experiences in our business lives have seen us navigate a series of unexpected obstacles.
The journey through these obstacles has been a transformative experience, causing us to re-evaluate our core values and strategic direction. We have gained a deeper understanding of our capabilities and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
In the latter half of 2023, we were filled with optimism and ambitious goals for the next five years. However, our carefully crafted plans were disrupted by an unexpected legal notice alleging trademark infringement on our business name, “Artscape”. This unforeseen event forced us into a daunting rebranding effort, just as we were anticipating the prospect of growth in early 2024.
We eventually found the silver lining and BeArtiful Creatives was born! The rebranding process presented an opportunity for us to reimagine our business identity and connect with our customers on a deeper level.
To compound challenges of rebranding, like many others, we have been grappling with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living crisis in Australia.
Despite the difficulties we are facing, our passion for BeArtiful Creatives has only grown stronger through this journey. We have managed to maintain our integrity and continued to provide our clients with affordable and accessible artistic services.
The overall experience has reaffirmed our commitment to navigating the twists and turns of the business world with determination and optimism. We have learned about adapting to changing market conditions and finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles. Our efforts have been doubly rewarded as we have made connections in our business community, finding care, compassion, and great advice.
Through this experience, we have emerged stronger, more resilient, and more committed to our vision: our BeArtiful Creatives Vision.
At BeArtiful Creatives, we believe in the transformative power of the visual arts.
Our vision is to ignite the creative spark within each client, young or old, empowering them to reach their full artistic potential. We strive to create an environment where imagination flourishes, and where individuals are encouraged to explore their artistic passions without limitations.
We understand that success in the visual arts, like success in any field, is not a destination but a journey. We are committed to providing our clients with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate this journey by enabling clients to develop their technical abilities and refine their artistic vision.
Our values of creativity, education, and competence are not merely abstract concepts to us; they are the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work. We believe that by nurturing these values, we can empower our clients to become confident and skilled artists, capable of expressing themselves authentically and achieving their artistic goals.
By inspiring creativity and encouraging artistic potential, BeArtiful Creatives can meaningfully contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the visual arts in the Limestone Coast region.
At BeArtiful Creatives, our vision is not simply to teach techniques or provide inspiration; it is to cultivate a community of artists who are passionate, skilled, and confident in their abilities. The journey of artistic growth is a continuous process, one that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenges. It is a tapestry woven from countless threads, including our core values of creativity, education, and competence.
We define our fundamental values as
creativity
Creativity is the spark that ignites innovation and progress. It is the ability to envision new
possibilities, to think outside the box, and to translate imagination into tangible realities. Creativity
thrives on curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to embrace the unknown. It is the driving
force behind artistic expression, scientific breakthroughs, and the development of new technologies
that shape our world.
Education
Education provides the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life. It
equips individuals with the tools to understand the world around them, to critically analyse
information, and to solve problems effectively. Education fosters critical thinking, communication
skills, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. It is the foundation upon which
individuals build their understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Competence
Competence embodies the ability to translate knowledge and skills into action. It is the practical
application of what we learn, the mastery of specific disciplines, and the confidence to tackle
challenges head-on. Competence is built through dedication, perseverance, and the willingness to
learn from both successes and failures. It is the driving force behind achieving goals, making a
meaningful contribution, and leaving a lasting impact on the world.
We believe these are not isolated entities but rather interconnected threads that weave together the fabric of a successful life. Creativity fuels innovation, education provides the tools for understanding and problem-solving, and competence enables us to translate our knowledge and skills into tangible results.
Looking for a class Instead?
Classes Happening Now
Drawing Together (Term 4)
Drawing Together (Term 4) S2
Thursday’s Brilliant Brushes (P6) | Day Classes
Brilliant Brushes Thursdays (P6): Beginner level acrylic focus
It’s Friday So let’s Draw! (D6)
Friday’s Brilliant Brushes (P6)
A glimpse into our studio and art work
