Art & Life with Stefanie Landes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Landes.

Stefanie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a multidisciplinary artist living and breathing in Phoenix, AZ.

I have always loved creating – to be an artist was one of my three wishes since I was young. I work towards that goal every day to make that inner child shine. I was born and raised on the East Coast and earned my BFA from Tyler School of Art in the not-always-sunny Philadelphia, PA. I relocated to Phoenix a little over five years ago and quickly fell in love with the weather, people, and energy that runs through this city.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I consider myself lucky to call two different places of the country home. Each area offers a lot and shaped me into who I am today. Spanning thousands of miles to weave together my pieces; I draw inspiration from nature, popular culture, the female form and the history and colors of our beautiful area. I design, embroidery fabric, paint in acrylics, illustrate and create fantastical sculptures. I am influenced by the colors, history, and artwork that seem to hang on the breeze, buzzing with life.

For a long time, I felt that I should stick to one medium… but I always felt closed-in and cut short when I did that. Now, I let creativity flow through me into whatever medium I choose. I find it best to not get stuck on whatever medium it may be – I follow the ideas and themes. I am an observer: of life, of people, ideas and things. I translate that with my soul and present it in its purest form. I do it all out of love. For the creative process, for people, for ideas… it all comes back to love.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
This is an interesting question… I would say yes and no.

No, in the sense of creation at its core. The artist will always feel a need to create. That will never change. Whether that drive comes from within or outside forces, the artist will channel that into whichever way they fancy. Their role in the community is as much as they make it. Perhaps they want to create just to create, and not to make a statement. And that’s okay.

That being said, I think the increase in resources and information have changed our roles. We have access to a greater amount of information than ever before, and it’s up to the individual to interpret that as they may. I do like the idea that art is becoming more accessible to a majority instead of being something reserved for a few. I believe the rise of online platforms allow the creative to access more people than ever before, and that’s pretty cool.

Personally, I do find events affecting my work. In my recent Goddess works, I highlight the beauty and power of the female form. That is a direct result of the events and culture surround the modern female. I take all of the turmoil and uncertainty and turn it into something beautiful, something that goes back to our roots, and shows our power. And that is beautiful.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently, I have my work solely online. My website is undergoing some maintenance, but you can also view my work on my Instagram. My goals for this new year are to update my site and expand my online presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: stefanielandes.com
• Email: stefanielandesdesigns@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlanders

Image Credit:
Taylor Schlabach

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