Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacey Gledhill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stacey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I stumbled across an art school in London that was teaching the craft of drawing and painting from life. At this point I didn’t yet want to be an artist as a vocation, I just wanted a creative outlet. Discovering an atelier art school was a lightbulb moment – I didn’t know these schools existed and it was so exciting to be surrounded by a small group of people who respected skills that have been taught and handed down for many years. I stayed for over 4 years. Somewhere along the way I decided this was what I most wanted to do. Learning how to ‘see’, and learning foundational drawing and painting skills through repetition and lots of mistakes is such a valuable experience for all aspiring artists, no matter which direction they then choose to take their work. The main obstacle that stood in my way was earning money to fund my studies and life in London. So I studied 3 days a week and took a little longer. But that was no bad thing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a full-time painter and tutor. I’m interested in paying close attention to life around me. I like to notice things – things I see but also things from my imagination. At the moment I seem to pay attention to : nature, patterns of light and shadow, people in a landscape, animals, a feeling of space, food on plates on a table. Simple things that feel remarkable in a moment. I want to bring these onto a canvas to share them.

I create my own work, do commissions by request, and teach painting to artists of all levels. I have lead workshops on the craft of oil painting for over 1000 Oxford University students of all disciplines and backgrounds.

I always drew and painted but I did not start out as a painter for my vocation. In New Zealand where I grew up, I got a degree in Environmental Sciences and Geography. I was interested in people, landscape and our connection to nature and each other. I travelled a lot. Now these are things I think about at the easel.

I see paintings fully formed in my mind before I start them. The ideas come from all around me. They don’t always turn out the way I thought they would, there is some room for surprise at the end. But I am usually quite sure if something hits the mark or not once it’s finished. I only put work out into the world once it says what I want it to say.

Because of my really good solid, repetitive training, my starting point is usually working from life. I am now able and willing to experiment with what and how I paint, and I am experimenting all the time. Painting is a place of exploration. It’s a place to feel generous. If I’m scared to do something I start to work towards it. Whether it’s a workshop I’d like to teach or a painting idea. Because of this my work always feels exciting to me. This approach to my work is what I am most proud of.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is living life on my terms, with the freedom to explore the things I want to explore and build the connections that matter to me. Although this can easily lead me to overwhelm because I get more ideas than I am able to execute!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Being a creative is consistantly and repeatedly following the things you’re interested in and want to explore. Being a creative is a life that you build. Every week, every day you must say no to the things that feel comfortable but you know will slowly eventually drain your spirit and leave you feeling trapped. This requires sacrifice and a quiet stubborness but is the only way to build a beautiful life that you love and that feels expansive. I’m still figuring this out as I go along so ask me again in 10 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.staceygledhill.com
• Instagram: @stacey_gledhill_art
• Facebook: Stacey Gledhill Artist

Image Credits
Stacey Gledhill