Seward is not only where mountains, ice, and ocean meet, but where creatives and artists congregate, finding endless inspiration in the midnight sun and in the dark stillness of the winter months. We had the pleasure of connecting with Chamber “Maker Member”, Bethany Waggoner of Beeswag Creations, to learn more about her story and what her creative process looks like here in Seward!
Q&A with Bethany Waggoner of BeeSwag Creations
Chamber: How long have you lived in Seward?
Bethany: I moved to Seward in fall of 2009. I had been hired as the art teacher at Seward High so I moved here right before the school year started. I grew up in Anchorage and always loved the combination of the ocean and the sea when I would visit Seward. 
A year before I moved here I was visiting and staying right on Ballaine when I saw winter orcas through the window in the bay. It was really magical and I mentioned the experience during my job interview. Afterwards I thought that I had been babbling but maybe that enthusiasm is what helped get me the job?
C: What is your art technique?
B: I do multilayer spray paint stencils. I make a drawing and then cut out different stencils for different color areas and spray paint in layers through the stencils. It is similar to the screen printing process. At the end I detail my pieces with paint pens which I think is my favorite part!
C: What sparks your creativity/inspires your work?
B: For my original pieces I mainly use vintage frames. I do enjoy thrifting, finding old treasures to inspire a piece such as an old carved wooden frame from Mexico or a portal from a sunken ship. This is both because I like the look, energy and history of these older frames and I also don’t like waste. So repurposing something that could have been trash makes me happy. When I have the frame in my hand I think what colors would look good with this and what imagery would fit?
As far as the content of my art, I am inspired by Alaskan imagery but also fantasy and storytelling. Art history was one of my favorite classes in college and I always loved seeing powerful nude goddesses portrayed from mythology. So as an Alaskan artist I enjoy placing my own goddesses within Alaskan scenery for the viewer to develop their own background story when viewing.
C: Why is art important to you?
B: I am also a mom to two young kids. Anyone who has parented young children knows that it is wonderful but difficult to focus on anything when you are around them. So art is something that I do when I’m alone to reclaim myself outside of motherhood. I work on it fleetingly and it is nice to be quiet and still while creating. The process involves planning, problem solving and some improvising to make my vision a reality.
C: Favorite part of living in Seward?
B: The people and the amazing scenery! When it’s sunny here it’s like heaven on earth. When it’s horrifically windy or icy, etc. I think “why do I live here?”, but the weather weeds out the people, leaving tough quality folk behind…or at least what I like to tell myself! 
She wants to take this chance to thank all of the wonderful individuals and businesses in this community that have supported her and her business throughout the years.
And we are grateful to have artists like Bethany enriching our community and making spaces more vibrant and beautiful!
Become a Maker Member: If you are an artist, crafter, or creative in Seward or the surrounding areas, please consider joining the Chamber as a Maker Member, like Bethany! This type of membership is a great option for individuals who do not have a storefront! Some benefits include discounted booth space at the 4th of July Festival, opportunity to set up shop at the Visitor Center throughout the summer months, placement on the website and inside the annual Seward Destination Guide, as well as valuable business connection and networking opportunities.