Maggie Stephenson
Born in Poland, raised in Germany and now living in Florida, Maggie is a self-taught artist and illustrator. After being inspired by her work, we interviewed her as a part of our Arte-ist Feature Campaign.
Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist.
Art has always been a big part of my life. When I was a little girl, artistic tools were always available. Painting was usually my go to activity, which my family highly encouraged. Later on in life, art as a hobby was predominant. It never occurred to me that I could pursue it as a career also. In my early 30s, I found myself at a crossroads, not knowing where to go in life, unsure of what career to pursue. I suppose the only thing I was confident in was art, so in my mind that was the only option. Once I made the decision to focus on art as a career, it sparked my artistic passion more than ever before. I feel truly blessed to be able to do what I love for a job. It keeps me motivated.
How important is coffee to your daily life?
Coffee is everything to me! It’s the first thing I think about when I open my eyes. I probably wouldn’t even get out of bed if I had no coffee waiting on me. Grateful to have that kick of energy first thing in the am and throughout the day as a pick me up. It gets the job done!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
That’s a tough one… I’d say Picasso, Matisse and Hundertwasser are definitely on the top of the list. I’ve always been drawn to simple joys of life. Moments, feelings, people or places. I think a lot of that can be found in their art. People being in the moment and amongst nature. Someone enjoying another’s company. Some of the most beautiful things in life. Additionally, Picasso’s use of cubism, colour and abstraction is something I’m naturally drawn to.
How do you stay inspired?
Most of the time I find inspiration outdoors, in nature. When the sun is shining and I’m completely relaxed. Music can also be a great source of inspiration. Or even when I’m out driving.
Do you have any daily rituals?
Not particularly during the day. My work is so diverse and unpredictable, so it allows for a lot of flexibility which is amazing. In the evening I love to listen to music while I wind down with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Some lit candles or incense. Having a peaceful environment, lets me wind down and unplug after a creative day. It’s super important for me to shut my mind off and allow myself this time to relax before I end the day. It makes a huge difference in how I feel the next day and my energy levels.
Related Posts
