We recently connected with Stephanie Dillon and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking risks as a painter is essential for creative growth and artistic evolution. By stepping outside of familiar techniques or subjects, artists can push the boundaries of their craft, discover new forms of expression, and cultivate a unique voice. Risk-taking allows painters to embrace vulnerability, experiment with bold ideas, and confront failure as a necessary part of the creative process. It often leads to unexpected breakthroughs, unlocking potential that might otherwise remain hidden in the comfort of routine. Ultimately, taking risks enriches the artistic journey and can lead to deeper, more authentic works that resonate powerfully with audiences. I hardly ever paint the same way twice. For me it’s more authentic to have no style of painting and just embrace how I want to create in the moment! I believe this has worked out well for me in that I’m hired to do a variety of artistic styles since I’m not known for just one!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Im is a multifaceted artist and writer where I work to transcend boundaries, blending visual art with compelling narratives. As an artist, i strive for reinvention as regeneration. In reviving discarded items to create new beauty, each piece of artwork is an interrogation of the idea of disposability. Using multiple mediums and creative techniques, I revitalizes what was once ignored and challengeconsumptive ideas that permeate our society.

I examine not only my participation in damaging systems, but the idea of second life, more life, opportunities to serve other people and the planet through creativity. At the beginning of 2020, I founded apparel company Citizen-T, which involved practically zero manufacturing and featured the work of a number of artists in various collaborations-Such as: Billie Eillish, Shawn Mendes, Aerosmith, Grateful Dead, and other Icons. I am also a contributing writer to Rolling Stone’s Culture and I currently live and create in Minneapolis, MN.

As an artist, I aim to make a lasting impact on the creative community by challenging the idea of disposability and creating with world consciousness. Most of my work is created on repainted canvases and upcycled frames.

Investing in a piece of my art is a purchase with layers of impact. A portion of each sale is donated to nonprofits across MN and the country, further supporting my mission to reimagine and reuse discarded materials to create artwork that critically examines consumption.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a human I’ve practiced the need for perfection as an expectation in life but As an artist, I’m constantly challenged to unlearn the pursuit of perfection and the weight of expectations. Perfection often stifles creativity, leading to rigidity rather than freedom in expression. True artistry lies in embracing the unpredictable, allowing mistakes to guide the process. Letting go of expectations helps me connect with the raw, authentic flow of creativity. It’s in the imperfections that my work becomes more honest and alive. Unlearning these constraints has allowed me to explore new depths, where innovation and originality thrive. This process is both liberating and essential to my growth as an artist.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Showing up, being honest, and doing what you say you’re going to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Stephaniedillonart.com
• Instagram: Stephaniedillon_art
• Linkedin: Stephanie Dillon

Image Credits

Photo credit:Marki Sawyer