With a BFA  in painting from School of Visual Arts, Bette began her career as a set decorator and tabletop stylist -  a form of "painting with objects" through production.  

After many years, she moved to the role of photographer and then incorporated her love of painting and collage back into her life. 

Using her varying vintage collections of books and paper, Bette “paints” collages creating texture and depth, using and creating multiple layers which are peeled away to uncover what is beneath. 

Her studio, located in Barryville, surrounded by nature, inspires her natural work.

Bette’s work has been seen in various group shows in the New York area and is part of several private collections.

FROM WHERE I STAND by Bette blau

“I landed on this title because it expressed the feelings I was having regarding my perspective now. Understanding that things change and grow, always moving and evolving. 

The constant in my work are the layers and removal of layers. The build up of old ephemera that constantly surprises me with its remaining colors and textures.”

Intrigued and interested in vintage paper and all forms of ephemera, I create layered and worn images from my ever growing collection of vintage finds.  With a fascination of nature and texture, I create landscapes and “chart” styled images, evoking language and memory.

Standing at this moment in time, taking in the complexities that surround us, I am drawn to the caretaking and generosity of nature and each other.