ARTIST STATEMENT
My work explores women’s roles and how we express ourselves, cultural ideas of beauty, my own childhood experiences, and the magic of nature. The imagery I create is primarily stylized portraits of women and abstractions featuring natural elements. My work is whimsical and powerful, specific to my experiences yet broadly appealing.
My materials are multimedia: acrylic paint, hand-painted paper and book pages, pressed nature, found objects, beads, and gems. I work in smaller formats, making my pieces perfect for showcasing in home spaces. I love texture and color, and am obsessed with detail, pattern, and metallics. I am drawn to use these elements because I find the process of adding detail immensely satisfying, and I want to create something the viewer may find enchanting. I strive to make pieces that call for further inspection and allow for the discovery of new elements and meaning with each viewing.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Growing up in a family of craftsmen, artists, and DIYers, creating has always been a significant part of my life. I knew early on that I wanted to work in the arts. My journey as a creative professional began with a 15-year career in photography. In addition to my career as a photographer, I earned a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. It was through working with children that I found my way to painting and multimedia work.
Children are innately curious and creative, and often fearless when it comes to expressing themselves artistically. Teaching art to young children required me to experiment with many mediums, explore different approaches to art-making, and push myself to expand my artistic abilities.
I am fortunate to be the mother of two amazing daughters! My husband and I live just outside Chicago with our two daughters, two quirky cats, and a spunky, lovable dog.
For me, making art is nurturing. It brings me joy and peace. It allows me to reflect on society, women’s issues, my childhood, and the natural world. Creating helps me cultivate new ways of forging meaningful connections.
© Stacey Grieff