Stephanie Bird
Chicago, USA
Stephanie, the multi-faceted
Stephanie Rose Bird is an artist and arts educator with a passion for the natural world and plants in particular. She worked as an Assistant Professor School of the Art Institute of Chicago, painting and drawing, 1986-2002.
She is the author of 6 published nonfiction books centered on herbalism and Earth-based Spirituality, two of which she also illustrated. Her books include: “Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo, Conjuring with Herbs,” which won the COVR Award for Best General Interest Book, and “A Healing Grove: African Tree Medicines and Rituals.”
I was 14 and was on the steps of the Delaware Museum of Art, leaving the museum. That’s when I had an awakening. I had been studying about art as an art major but after going into the museum and coming outside, I actually began to “see” through the eyes of an artist.
I was 14 and was on the steps of the Delaware Museum of Art, leaving the museum. That’s when I had an awakening. I had been studying about art as an art major but after going into the museum and coming outside, I actually began to “see” through the eyes of an artist.
At what age did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I was 14 and was on the steps of the Delaware Museum of Art, leaving the museum. That’s when I had an awakening. I had been studying about art as an art major but after going into the museum and coming outside, I actually began to “see” through the eyes of an artist.
What is the earliest artwork you did tat you can remember?
The earliest art work I did that had a conceptual as well as visual idea behind it was a painting done outdoors on location, of a ‘Cat Lady’s Home.’ The story had been on the news and the home was vacant. I wanted to capture the spirit of the house and all of the cats that had lived there.
Which classical or contemporary artists have inspired you?
I am very inspired by a host of expressionistic and impressionistic artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Freda Kahlo, Mark Rothko, Chaim Soutine, Jackson Pollock and Joan Mitchell.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I am a painter that seeks to capture the spiritual qualities of nature, using chalk pastels, mixed media and oils.
When did you first sell an artwork? How did you feel?
My first sale was to my dear Uncle “Red.” I was very proud that he wanted to actually purchase my seascape done in Cape May, NJ, en plein air and hang it in his lovely home.
What's your workstyle? Do you work on one piece at a time or work simultaneously on multiple pieces?
I typically work on one work at a time but when I’m doing process-painting I work on multiple paintings at the same time.
How do you get the inspiration for a new piece?
My inspiration usually begins with an object or special place. I feel the inspiration wash over me and then know it’s time to paint.
Tell us a bit about your personal life ...
I am a Mom, artist, author, animal companion and environmentalist, involved with alternative spirituality.
I love the arts, particularly dance and fine arts. I write fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
A few pieces from Stephanie’s gallery
Scintillating
Dynamic Duo
Why they love Stephanie’s art
B. D'arras, Milwaukee
“Stephanie is a brilliant gem of creativity, and an expert in her field. The research that she has done, and the passion that she has, is clearly conveyed in a lyrical and anecdotal manner. Her works have been both a guide and an inspiration to me. They have changed the way that I look at the outside world and have challenged me to look within.”
Emma Wingfield, Indiewalls
“Artist and arts education Stephanie Rose Bird has a passion for the natural world and in particular – plants. What intrigues her about plants is the energy and power they have over us all. They shape and mold us, and Bird deliberately attempts to convey their power and wonder in her paintings and drawings.”
More about Stephanie
Shows & Exhibitions
Stephanie Rose Bird has also won several juror’s awards for Best of Show and Technical Achievement.
Her art was auctioned through Sotheby’s Chicago and Tel Aviv, International Young Art exhibition.
She has exhibited widely including:
University of Illinois, Chicago; African American Cultural Center; ARC; Artemesia Gallery; Betty Rymer Gallery, School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Satori Fine Art; Chicago State College; Prairie State College; Northern Illinois University; Sioux City Art Center; Rahr-West Museum, ‘Art from Detritus’, John Jay College of Justice, New York. Bird was commissioned by Cialis Western Open (PGA Tour) where she was artist-in-residence. Her work was featured in the collection of Art-in-the-Embassies program, US Department of State, Cotonou, Africa. Her works are in the corporate collection of BMO Harris Bank and McCormick Place South Illinois Artists Gallery.