Stepheny MacLeod

Year of birth: 1996.
Where do you live: Canada.
Your education: BFA.
Describe your art in three words: Detailed, Dynamic, Illustrative.
Your discipline: Mixed Media Drawings, Painting and Prints.
www.stephenystudio.com | Instagram

Your work is described as a celebration of the creative process. Can you elaborate on how this theme influences your approach to art? 

My creative process is driven by exploration and experimentation of new materials. When I encounter an unfamiliar medium in an art supply store, I am eager to incorporate it into my current projects. As I become more comfortable with the material, I then focus on how it can uniquely portray specific subject matters.

The primary themes I explore in my work include nature, movement, the expression of abstract emotion, and relatable still-life items. For instance, I am currently working on my “Sippin’ Summer Series,” which highlights vibrant, summer-inspired drinks. This series aims to resonate with people by capturing the joy and essence of summer through the delicate yet impactful use of watercolor pencils and paint.

Stepheny MacLeod | Wave | 2024

How do you balance experimentation with traditional mediums and new materials like resin and modeling paste? 

My artistic foundation is rooted in traditional materials that I’ve been using since childhood and during my formal art education. These include graphite pencil, charcoal/conté, and acrylic paint on paper and canvas. However, I’ve never confined myself to a single medium, like an oil painter or a graphite artist. With so many different art forms and materials available, it would be limiting to focus on just one. By incorporating materials such as modeling paste, resin, and relief outliner, I can literally elevate my art through added texture and depth. While some pieces may not require multiple materials to highlight the subject matter, in certain instances the Christmas Cookies I created last December. I used modeling paste to create a 3D texture for the cookies and a pouring gloss to make the jelly filling look more realistic.

You mentioned fostering a dialogue between the viewer and the artwork. How do you achieve this interaction through your compositions? 

I focus on subject matter that resonates with me personally, drawing inspiration from places I’ve visited, experiences I’ve had, and topics that hold significance in my life. This connection to my work often extends to my audience, as many of the experiences I have had are shared by others. For those who haven’t had similar experiences, my art can provoke reflection or initiate conversations, encouraging them to consider how my work might relate to experiences they have had. It’s fascinating to observe the commonalities between the human experience.

Stepheny MacLeod | Discovery | 2024

As you expand into digital art, what new possibilities or challenges are you excited to explore? 

My latest venture in art involves delving into the digital space. I’m enthusiastic about experimenting with different software and tools to transform my traditionally created pieces into something entirely new. While this exploration brings the challenge of mastering digital tools, I remain committed to staying true to the essence of my art and its original creation.

Digitally, I can manipulate and alter my artwork in ways that would be impossible using traditional art materials alone. This digital exploration opens up new possibilities for creativity and expression, allowing me to push the boundaries of my art beyond what conventional techniques can achieve

In what ways do you think your background in traditional art informs your digital work?  

I believe that my understanding of composition, space, and color, developed through traditional art, seamlessly translates into my digital work. The fundamental principles of art remain central to my creative process, but digital art offers a unique approach to manipulating colors and shapes within a vast and expansive screen space. This allows me to explore and experiment with these elements in ways that differ from traditional methods, yet still honor the core values of my artistic practice.

Stepheny MacLeod | Edible Buckthorn | 2024

In your view, what makes a piece of art truly engaging or impactful for an audience?  

To create an impactful piece of art, it can either emphasize the subject matter, the overall visual impact, or a combination of both. Some artworks may not be conventionally visually appealing, but the significance of the subject matter can make a profound impact. This allows the audience to connect with or gain insight into issues they may not have been aware of, sparking meaningful conversations and engagement. Alternatively, a piece might focus more on visual impact, where the subject matter isn’t as thought-provoking, but the composition—through shapes, colors, details, and overall layout—captures attention and invites discussion in a different way. Both approaches can be powerful in their own right, depending on the intent and message behind the work.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are just starting to develop their own unique style? 

The advice I would give to fellow artists is to take your time. Developing “your style” doesn’t happen overnight, especially if you’re a mixed media artist like myself, working with different materials that require various techniques and yield diverse results. Patience is equally important when building your art career. It takes time to build your confidence, brand, skill set, and inventory of artwork. Additionally, take the time to discover what success as an artist means to you. Whether it’s participating in multiple art shows and galleries, gaining a large social media following, making significant sales, creating social impact, or mentoring other artists to develop their careers, success is deeply personal and varied.

This is advice I continually apply to myself. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you see other artists seemingly closer to a goal you aspire to achieve. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own artistic journey, and the most important thing is to focus on your own path.

Stepheny MacLeod | Virginia Creepers | 2024