BeKindBella: Creating Beauty Through Imperfection
Like so many great artists, Bella Hurlbut turned to her art as an outlet during a difficult time she was facing. Since then, her work has resonated with thousands of people. After finding Bella on TikTok, we were drawn to her fun take on fashion and femininity. We loved talking to Bella, the amazing artist behind this issue’s cover, all about how BeKindBella came to be, where she draws inspiration from, and more!
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Photo: @bekindbella
Hello!
I’m Bella and I’m a 23 year-old artist from New Jersey. I’m from a small town that seems a little too small sometimes, and I really enjoy spending time with myself. I’m a huge advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness, and I love, love, love sunflowers! They always know how to find the light, which is something I am always trying to do.
2. How did you get into art? And what led you to create BeKindBella?
I’ve always loved art and was pretty decent at it, but I never really had a style. When I got to college, I started to have some trouble and wasn’t doing my best mentally, so I turned to art and writing as an outlet. I learned to cope with my anxiety and emotions through my little doodles, and lots of people started to resonate with my creations! I wanted to develop a way to connect more - so I created BeKindBella. I wasn’t very kind to myself during these years, so it serves as a reminder to myself every day.
3. Can you explain your artistic style and what your art typically consists of?
Photo: BeKindBella
Honestly, I don’t think I really have a set “style,” and I used to panic about it everyday because it felt like I wasn’t a “true artist” if my art wasn’t extremely consistent. If I had to use a word to describe my art though, it’d be messy. I love imperfect lines and whimsical faces. If I try to make anything too perfect, I end up hating it, so if I have an idea in my head - I just wing it until I like it! We’re all messy and imperfect anyway, so I like to translate that into my art.
4. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Usually what’s around me! I love anything funky or unique that sticks out to me. Bold colors, dramatic fashion pieces, silly flowers, and bodies. I also create pieces based on my emotions or struggles of the day - I like the rawness it brings.
5. What is the process normally like when you receive a commission or order request?
Most of the time, the client will have an idea in mind of what they are looking for. I also always ask them to send me color palettes, inspiration pictures, or key words to help me bring together a sketch for them. Once I develop a sketch on my iPad, I send it over to them for approval and I get to work on a freshly primed canvas. I love when clients let me run wild with a commission.
6. Is there a piece that you love the most, are the most proud of, or has a special meaning to you?
I haven’t posted it anywhere, but I painted a self portrait of my own body a few months ago covered in flowers. I never really have painted myself before, and I was struggling with my body for a while, so it was very therapeutic for me to create. I look at it a lot.
Photo: @bekindbella
7. What do you hope people will get out of your art?
I just hope people smile and feel understood when they see my art, that’s really it. I’ve felt very alone in my life at times, so I want my art to help people feel the opposite.
8. Do you have any tips for anyone interested in pursuing their artistic dreams?
Don’t give up. It’s very easy to become discouraged or compare, so please never compare your art or success to others. You need to love what you make because it’s a part of YOU. The love from others will follow.
