Plenty of restaurants hang art on their walls. Far fewer sit you down to dinner with the person who painted it. That’s the idea behind River House’s Art Series Dinner, which returns on Wednesday November 11 with Gold Coast artist Bec Talbot.
Her collection, The Turning, will hang throughout the Southport venue on the Nerang River, and Bec will talk guests through how she found her way into art and the journey that has shaped her practice since.
The River House Art Series brings local artists into the dining room, first on the walls and then in person, so guests can meet the people behind the work over a relaxed, unhurried meal. Expect a two-course dinner, a drink on arrival, and plenty of conversation.
Ahead of the night, we caught up with both Bec and River House’s Kristee Jenkins about how the Art Series Dinner came to be – and what they want us to know about the Gold Coast art scene.
Bec Talbot, artist
Tell us about how your career as an artist started. Did you always want to pursue art, and how did you go about starting?
I’ve always been a creative person, but becoming an artist wasn’t necessarily something I had mapped out for myself. I spent many years working as a primary school teacher before being diagnosed with stage four cancer, which changed the trajectory of my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
It gave me a different perspective on time, priorities and what I wanted the next chapter of my life to look like. Art became a way of reconnecting with myself and exploring something I’d always loved.
What started as a creative outlet gradually became something much bigger. I began experimenting with acrylics, texture, colour and palette knives, developing my own style along the way. I’m entirely self-taught, so a lot of my journey has been about trusting my instincts, making mistakes and learning as I go.
I never really set out with a business plan to become an artist. I just kept showing up, painting and seeing where it would take me. And somewhere along the way, Bec Talbot Art was born.
What does a day in your life as a Gold Coast artist look like?
It’s probably a little less glamorous than people might imagine! My days are a juggling act between family life, running a creative business and finding time to actually get paint on a canvas.
Most mornings start with getting the kids organised and finding a little time to myself before heading into the studio. When I can, I love getting outside, heading to the beach or simply taking in the landscape around me.
Then it’s into the studio, which is usually a combination of painting, experimenting, photographing work, answering emails, packing orders and all the behind-the-scenes business stuff.
I’m lucky to live somewhere that offers so much inspiration. The coastline, hinterland, changing light and relaxed lifestyle all find their way into my work. And of course, being a mum means there’s always something happening outside the studio!
What do you wish more people knew about the Gold Coast art scene?
I think there’s so much more to the Gold Coast art scene than people realise. Beyond the beaches, lifestyle and tourism, there’s a really interesting and diverse creative community here, with artists working across so many different mediums and styles.
There’s a growing appreciation for contemporary art, independent makers and local creatives, and I think it’s important that we continue to support and celebrate that. We have an incredible natural environment that inspires so many artists, but we also have a really exciting creative identity of our own.
I’d love to see even more opportunities for local artists to collaborate, exhibit and connect with the wider Australian art scene.
What typically inspires you to create art?
I’m really inspired by the natural environment, particularly the coastline and hinterland of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers. It’s often less about recreating a particular place and more about capturing a feeling or a memory of being somewhere.
The changing light, the movement of water, the colours in the landscape and the quieter moments in nature all influence my work. I’m drawn to earthy, coastal tones, layers, texture and a sense of movement.
I also love the idea that a painting doesn’t have to tell someone exactly what to see or feel. I want people to bring their own memories and interpretations to a piece. If someone looks at one of my paintings and it reminds them of a place they love, or simply makes them feel something, then I think I’ve done my job.
Where do you hope your art takes you?
I’d love to continue growing as an artist, pushing myself creatively and seeing just how far I can take this little business I’ve built.
I’m really interested in exploring more collaborations, having my work represented in beautiful spaces and expanding into new creative opportunities beyond the canvas. I’d also love to exhibit more widely across Australia and internationally.
But ultimately, I want to keep creating work that feels authentic to me. I don’t want to lose the joy of painting by becoming too focused on where it needs to go next. If I can continue making a living doing something I genuinely love, connect with people through my work and keep challenging myself along the way, then I’m pretty happy with that. I’m very much here for it!
Kristee Jenkins, River House
How did the Art Series Dinner come about?
I’ve bought art before, and I’ve always loved meeting the artist. It makes the piece mean so much more. River House already has beautiful walls and regular customers who love to linger, so I thought it would be a great way to complement the River House Art Series. Our customers see the paintings, and now they get to meet the person behind them.
Why was Bec Talbot a perfect fit? What is it about her art that you think will speak to people?
I met Bec at Claudio Kirac’s event in Burleigh and we clicked straight away. She was so kind from the outset, introducing me to fellow artists, and I knew I was dealing with a great person. When I invited her to take part, she was the first to say yes, and she believed in my idea of giving up our walls and charging no commission to promote local artists.
Her paintings have so much texture and colour that people stop mid-meal to look, and her dinner, The Turning, tells how she found her way into art. She’s a strong, courageous woman, and one I’m proud to support.
What is your ultimate goal for the Art Series Dinner?
The ultimate goal for the River House Art Series is to build a reputation for showcasing high-quality artists on our walls. Guests can enjoy wonderful food in a beautiful setting while appreciating the hours of effort and talent behind every painting. They can also meet the artists at our dinners, brunches and workshops. Above all, it’s about bringing the community together to celebrate the incredible talent we have right here in Australia.
Why should more local businesses support Gold Coast artists?
Supporting local artists costs a business very little, but it gives back so much more. Our guests get something beautiful to talk about, and the artists get seen. It’s a simple way to back our community.
What do you wish more people knew about the Gold Coast art scene?
I wish people knew just how alive the Gold Coast art scene is. It takes a moment to notice, but once you do, you see beautiful paintings, sculptures and vessels everywhere, right in front of you. And once you start noticing this wonderful world, you’ll find it stays with you.
Come and meet Bec at The Turning on Wednesday November 11, from 6pm. It’s $99 per person with a two-course meal and a drink on arrival. Bookings are essential – click here to secure your spot.
