Stephanie is a dear friend and coworker. When I first started working at our company, I was pleasantly surprised to discover we had a familiar network and connection to creative spaces and events. Amazed by her plethora of experience and expertise in teaching, she has become my “go-to” person for various questions, a sounding board for specific projects, and a beautiful example for how to bring out the creativity in others. 

As an artist — she is genuinely talented and passionate about her craft, cognizant of the rich history and knowledge of various mediums and techniques, a good steward of her resources, and always purposeful in why and how she creates. All this, wrapped with a humility that sets her apart from those who create to simply glorify their own abilities. As a gifted mentor — she is quick to craft purposeful words of encouragement and actively looks to recognize and highlight specific attributes in others that stir continued growth in areas of strength, while being optimistically mindful of areas that may need attention. As a friend — she is selfless and tender-hearted, beyond generous with her time and resources, and such a joy to know and work with. Stephanie is someone who seeks to build others up by putting tools in their hands. Personally, I have saved every pamphlet, book, and sticky note that she has given me with information of various artisan shops, events, resources, and shows that she has pointed me toward. She does not know how much I value her kind words and time — I consider her friendship an answered prayer for encouragement, guidance, and help.

One day, Stephanie spoke about a space in her home that she hoped to organize and set apart to revisit creative endeavors. In a passing comment, she mentioned a time when she had given most of her valuable supplies to former students. It was a quick comment that trailed off into another discussion, but one that caught me off-guard. Her act of genuine kindness had stuck in my mind and followed me the rest of the day. That is selfless love.

I pray Stephanie would be truly blessed to see the fruit of those many seeds of creativity that she has planted and watered over the years. May she feel so appreciated and valued for her time and investment in helping others grow. May God richly pour into and bless Stephanie with the time, space, and fresh inspiration to pursue her own passion projects as well. 

When did you first start creating?

I was told that in preschool, I made a circus carriage out of paper and crayon, taping it over an animal cracker box. I used four orange Popsicle push-pop plastic bases as wheels, which allowed the carriage to roll. Although I only saw photos of this piece, it was the first meaningful creation I made that others truly noticed. 

As a child, I had a strong fascination with white paper. I would take my dad’s computer paper and fold or roll it into sculptures. I also loved paints and pencils, and I would often paint on a kids’ easel in the kitchen while my mom cooked dinner on the stove. 

What mediums are you drawn to most and why?

I’m drawn to oil paint because of its raw form and the rich history of the medium. Oil paint is permanent and was used by the old masters, with a ritual-like practice that continues in today’s training. It holds the highest honor in arts in my opinion and can at times be the most challenging to use. 

I also love working with graphite dust, which is made by shaving pencil graphite into dust and applying it with a dry paintbrush. This technique creates a soft, whisper-like appearance on the textured surface of linen paper. After dusting the material, graphite can then be applied with a paintbrush or pencil, and it can also be subtracted with an eraser. 

Both mediums are applied as if I were sculpting, and I visualize the 3D form as I paint on the 2D surface. They both emphasize tonal values, whether in monochrome or a full spectrum of color. 

Tell me about a moment in your life when you first considered yourself to be an artist?

Growing up, I was always told that I was an artist and was given the tools to practice and explore my craft. I had family members who were naturally gifted artists, as well as those who had formally trained in art. However, I didn’t fully appreciate or consider myself an artist until I was around 17, nearing the end of high school. For me, art was as natural as breathing, but I thought everyone in my art class felt the same way about it. 

In my final year of high school, I was offered the opportunity to pursue painting as an independent, self-paced course. I focused on large-scale realistic paintings using oil paint, with the goal of completing four pieces. When my teacher asked to buy my final painting, I realized that I might have a true knack for art. I recognized that I had skill and began to nurture my passion. This eventually led to me earning a scholarship and pursuing my education in art school. 

From your time in art school, what was one thing you did not expect to learn?

Prevalence is essential for surviving art school. In art school, every class session includes a critique where everyone’s work is discussed in a large group. Critiques can be pivotal for the success of your piece, but they can also feel like a nightmare. Your peers are honest and want to push you to reach your highest standard. In the end, trust your peers and keep moving forward!

 

What was one thing you learned or experienced that made a deep, lasting impact on the way you create?

During a critique in my first year design theory class at Wayne state, my professor asked me, “What is the meaning of your design?” I was caught off-guard and embarrassed — I hadn’t expected that question, and I was completely dumbfounded. 

At the time, I was so focused on mastering design technique that I had overlooked the fact that design, like painting, drawing, or sculpture, is an art form with creative depth. That moment shifted my thinking. I realized that design can come from the soul and carry meaning — it can evoke character, emotion, and purpose just as powerfully as any traditional art form. 

 

Tell me about a meaningful project and the story behind it.

For my final show at Kendall College of Art and Design, I developed a series based on the concept of creativity as influenced by nature versus nurture. I explored this idea through imagery of children folding paper into animal-like shapes alongside depictions of animal grown from cells. The work reflected my fascination with the origins of creativity and how it is expressed in the world around us.

Ultimately, the series symbolized my inner thoughts about whether art is something nurtured or something innate within us. I’ve often wondered: would I still have become an artist if I hadn’t been encouraged from an early age?

 

How has creating throughout your life been a help to your heart and mind?

Creating is the life and soul of who I am. It reminds me of the beauty around us and offers healing when its needed most. Art generates positive energy and brings out the best in others.

Although I have taken a long pause from painting and fine arts, I still find ways to create every day, I see creativity in cooking, gardening, cleaning, and decoration for the holidays. One day, I will return to the skilled arts and continue to heal my heart and mind more deeply. 

 

Tell me about the value of community for creative individuals and the blessing of community involvement in artistic endeavors?

Art communities are united by a shared love of creativity and a desire to expand opportunities for artists to grow and connect. Institutions like art schools, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Flint Institute of Arts, and other creative spaces provide artists with the chance to learn, evolve, and be inspired. 

These communities also offer a space where creatives can discuss shared interests and form meaningful connections with new friends. 

 

You have lots of experience in teaching, what is most exciting and meaningful to you about this?

I enjoy facilitating artistic skills and giving students the space to explore the art world. I love watching new students learn to trust their creative instincts. Some of the most meaningful moments are when a former student recognizes me years later and tells me how they still appreciate the arts.

Many of the students I worked with didn’t go on to attend art school, but they continue to use art as a passion and a personal skill they’re proud of. That’s more than I could ever ask for.

 

It is said that “art is a universal language”. How have you seen and understood this throughout your experience in working with different age groups, cultures, and abilities?

Art is a language of emotion. It is tactile, expressed through hand movements and gestures. I have taught art classes to children as young as four and to adults in their mid-nineties. All of my students spoke through their work—-through the colors they chose and the size, shape, and depth of their mark-making on canvas or paper.

The process of making art can also be considered a universal language. Words don’t need to be spoken to appreciate the excitement of an artist at work. For example, I once had the opportunity to work with visually impaired individuals as they created tactile mosaic collages using sequins and cut paper squares placed on canvas. They couldn’t see, so they relied on a sighted partner to select colors or help identify the area of the canvas they wanted to work on. They could only feel the texture of the materials and attach each piece by hand with glue. It felt like a collaborative dance, and the room was filled with joy! Many participants tapped their feet or verbally expressed their excitement. 

One individual, however, expressed her passion in a quieter, more focused way — with a small smirk on her tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth as she worked. It was the same expression I’ve seen countless sighted artists wear when they’re deeply immersed in the creative process, fully enjoying the act of making art. 

 

What characteristics, attributes, and skills do you think makes a good artist?

Artists who display curiosity, discipline, open-minded thinking, and imagination have a strong foundation for becoming successful in their craft.

However, I believe that artists who train specifically in their preferred medium can become even better. Those who take it a step further may choose to study art history. A solid understanding of art and its history provides valuable context for an artist’s work and can guide the emotion and style they aim to convey.

Lastly, confidence in public speaking is essential for artists to effectively communicate their work to an audience. Believing in your work allows others to clearly recognize you as the artist. Speaking confidently about your art not only draws in an audience but also reinforces your own sense of purpose and confidence.

 

What is one type of project you have always wanted to do, but never had time to start?

I have always wanted to create a series of works that represent “The Juxtaposed Coast“. It is a series featuring coastlines where fish swim freely above the water and throughout the sky, while the coastal waters below are void of life. The concept is inspired by Rene Magritte and other surrealist artists. Although still in its early stages, the project may be revisited in the future.