A Conversation With Stephanie Allison

"Natasha" 2012

Stephanie Allison, an artist from Clovis, California, weaves together color, elaborate line details, lush settings and fashionable ladies, creating gorgeous paintings and illustrative artwork. What I love the most about Allison's artwork is the use of decorative line work and vibrant colors; the images magically pop off the page/canvas. Allison spoke with ArtSeen about her artistic process and her inspirations.

Can you tell us a little about your artwork, artistic process, and what types of artistic materials you use?

Although I began as a ceramic artist, following in the footsteps of my parents and relatives, I switched gears to painting with acrylic on canvas and wood while I was high school. That was about fifteen years ago and I've never looked back! Although, I've also added another artistic process which is almost more enjoyable than painting with acrylic.  After I inherited a set of Winsor & Newton watercolor tubes and watercolor paper from my late Aunt, I began to delve into the world of painting on paper rather than canvas. I now create more illustrative work with this mixed media process of first tea-staining the paper, then adding ink pen details, followed by watercolor. I've elaborated on that in the past year by adding watercolor collage pieces, gold & silver pens, and acrylic highlights. 

"Kindred" 2010

What inspires you as an artist? Why do you create art?

I'm inspired by so many things; my brain is constantly churning with thoughts for my next painting. Top 5 things that inspire me would be: nature, music, travel, color, and fashion. I'm pretty sure I have an extremely over active imagination. I love art because it is a way for me to release my day dreams onto paper or canvas, and it's pretty cool that other people get to see them and enjoy.  

"Metamorphosis" 2011

What types of themes, ideas, or concepts do you explore within your artwork?

I like to think about life in other dimensions; if there is such a thing what would it be like? My current body of work focuses heavily on this idea and I'm excited to see where it will take me. The girls that I paint have grey skin because they do not belong to any race that we know of on planet Earth. "Aliens" are thought to have grey skin, rather than the green aliens that are portrayed in movies. I'm obsessed with painting tiny atoms and DNA strands lately as well. I think a lot about who we are as people, what makes us human, and how did we get this way. I'm preparing for a solo show in October so I have a lot more ideas that I need to get out of my head and completed in time for the show. 

"Galassia" 2012

What do you think the role of the artist is?

I don't think there is one certain role for us. I simply love to create and I will do it for as long as I'm on this Earth whether people care to see what I'm creating or not. I will never stop.

What do you want viewers to walk away with when they view your artwork?

I want them to make their own conclusions about what my paintings might mean. I just hope that they take the time to look closely at the entire picture. 

Are there any artists that inspire you? If so, who would they be and why?

There are so many it's hard to pick just a few. Amy Sol is one of my all time favorites. Her paintings ooze with dreamy, magical goodness. I just love the creatures that she creates and the muted colors she uses. Although I use much brighter colors in my own work, I tend to be drawn to those who paint with more subtle hues. Also inspiring are Bec Winnel, Dan May, Camille Rose Garcia, and Audrey Kawasaki to name a few. Each of them has so much talent and creativity.
 

"Another Dimension" 2012

And finally, what advice would you give to other artists?

I still have a long journey ahead of me, but I've gotten a taste of what it's like to be a full-time artist this year and it is no easy task. It helps to have the fire within you and keep it burning. Never give up.  

For more information about Allison and her artwork, you can visit her website, blog, Society6 shop, Zazzle shop, Facebook page, Etsy shop or at the Bad Apple Artist Collective for more details.

All artwork provided by Stephanie Allison.