Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Lawhorn.
Stephanie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I didn’t go to ‘art school’, I am more self-taught than formally educated…at least regarding visual art. In fact, the last ‘formal’ art course I took was as a sophomore in high school and unfortunately it was such a poor experience that I never took another one again! My mom was a God-fearing, freelance artist though so growing up, I was surrounded by my mom’s creations and allowed to explore my own creativity as well. Eventually, my passion for visual art was suppressed as I followed my second love in college and majored in Wildlife Sciences at Texas A&M University. I chose wildlife to major in because I always enjoyed the outdoors and felt closest to God when in nature surrounded by HIS Creations. Although I love life science, I always had this lingering desire to get back into the arts. Recently, I was given the opportunity to move from teaching science to teaching ART in the school I work at and this move back to a regularly creative environment inspired me to pick up my paint brush again. At first, my paintings were created for friends and family with no real connection to the pieces I made.
After a few friends encouraged me to start showing others my work, I felt the desire to determine what my TRUE inspiration was and why I never could completely shake this ‘need’ to create. In this time of reflection, my Faith became apparent in the pieces I began to paint. I started to look at life and Creation around me differently and found that the Lord seemed to be working on my heart through the artistic process. My works now each have a strong connection to my Faith, Scripture, and the relationship I seek to have with our Lord. My art is all ‘Inspired by Him’, the Greatest Artist.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
As previously stated, my paintings are all inspired by some aspect of Christian faith or scripture. Unless a piece is commissioned with specific guidelines from the client, I go in ‘blind’ to each piece. I tend to gravitate toward a specific color scheme and let the artistic process (or the Holy Spirit) take the lead. This can be difficult as I would consider myself somewhat of a perfectionist…I’m sure that’s why the Lord has compelled me to paint more abstractly! Each piece starts with a few brushstrokes but quickly becomes its own ‘entity’ as the message/title is revealed…some so personal that it moves me to tears. Although I would consider all of my paintings ‘abstract’, I have a hard time sticking to one style/color scheme and tend to let each piece develop on its own. I enjoy a variety of tools, not only brushes but palette knives (which create amazing texture), paper towels, and even my own fingers! When clients commission a piece from me, they will give me everything from a specific color scheme/style they prefer to simply a piece of scripture to be inspired by (which I LOVE). My hope is that each piece I create not only brings the viewer Joy, but also encourages them to recognize the beauty in Creation and the love the Lord has for ALL his children.
How can artists connect with other artists?
THEY ARE NOT ALONE! I have so often felt like an ‘oddity’…conservative, nature-loving, science-nerd, artistic, God-fearing…but the Lord made each of us SO unique! How boring would our world be if we were all the same?! As far as concrete ways to connect, I would encourage others to join some sort of arts organization. I am currently a member of the Rockwall Art League and the Texas Visual Arts Association (TVAA), both of which have provided me the chance to gather with other creatives and experience numerous unique and exciting opportunities. Social media is also helpful when used with discernment and discretion. I would always encourage face-to-face conversations over ‘screen time’ though, even if it is somewhat uncomfortable for some of us to be in a ‘small talk’ environment.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am just now starting to put my pieces out beyond my own walls! Currently, I have pieces at the TVAA Gallery in the Plaza of the Americas in Dallas. I am active on social media and plan to have my website and online shop running before I go back to work in August. These links will be added onto my social media platforms so I would encourage anyone who likes my work to follow my artistic journey on Instagram (@inspiredbyhimart) or Facebook (@inspiredbyhimfineart).
Contact Info:
- Phone: (979)224-2744
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @inspiredbyhimart
- Facebook: @inspiredbyhimfineart
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