Meet the Artist: Beth McAlpine

Multimedia Artist, Printmaker & Creative Educator – South Africa

Beth McAlpine is a South African multimedia artist and printmaker whose work invites quiet reflection on the intricate ties between humanity and nature. Based in Johannesburg, Beth brings to life ethereal scenes that layer environmental concerns with emotional resonance—inviting the viewer into a deeper, more contemplative relationship with the world.

A member of The Printing Girls - a dynamic, all-women printmaking collective with members across South Africa and the Netherlands - Beth stands at the intersection of craft, collaboration, and conscience. Her current body of work, titled “Harbingers”, delves into themes of forewarning and symbolism in both the natural and emotional landscapes we inhabit.

Beth is deeply passionate about the planet, the fragility and resilience of the natural world, and how these concerns echo through the human condition. Whether she’s drawing, collaging, or ink-rolling in her home studio, there is always a sense of layered meaning, stillness, and thoughtful process in what she creates.

As a printmaker, Beth finds deep satisfaction in the physicality and rhythm of the medium. “The hiss hiss of rollers, the ink and the outcome … are a meditation for me,” she shares. The joy of discovery—of not always knowing exactly how an image will transfer or evolve—is what keeps her endlessly engaged.

Beyond her personal practice, Beth is a dedicated arts educator and mentor, coach and facilitator, having taught at the Artist Proof Studio in Houghton, the Artsavingsclub in Linden, and now from her home studio, where she has her own press. Empowering others through creativity is central to her ethos, and she believes in nurturing a sense of freedom and exploration in others.

Her sketchbooks, often filled with natural motifs, soft palettes, and emotionally textured narratives, have garnered a loyal following. She continues to share glimpses of her process online, encouraging a slower, more intentional creative life—one that honours both the beauty of the planet and the complexity of being human.

Most recently, Beth partnered with LAMY South Africa on a heartfelt Mother’s Day collaboration. Using LAMY Safari pens with EF nibs and a stunning palette of LAMY inks, including selections from the LAMY Crystal Ink range, Beth created a series of delicate, hand-illustrated cards celebrating motherhood in all its forms. These exclusive cards—elegant, emotive, and unmistakably Beth—will be gifted with every LAMY pen purchase from 29 April to 10 May 2025, while stocks last.

You are welcome to contact Beth via email on: mangobeth@gmail.com