Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacey Lee Webber. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Stacey Lee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I have always had a creative passion – ever since I was young – I loved art classes and making things out of nothing – personalized cards, ceramics, ornaments and popsicle stick boxes were all made in abundance as a kid. I had a very supportive family that knew I was a creative person. They always let me lean towards that side of my brain. I also had really fabulous art teachers – grade school, high school , undergraduate and graduate school there was a family of art teachers that were all instrumental in encouraging me to pursue my passion and continue making things. With all of this support I still did not know it was possible to become a full time artist. It took meeting my now husband in graduate school both of us pursing our Master of Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin to be the final backing and instilled belief system that together we could figure out how to not have any other part time jobs and rely on our own creativity in making and business to become self sustaining. It took time… after getting an MFA in metalsmithing and jewelry I didn’t officially get rid of all my side jobs until 8 years later, and it was extremely terrifying! With all of my built in support system I was able to jump off the ledge and haven’t looked back – as a partnership, my husband and I have been full time artists for 9 years. We currently have 3 assistants, own an art gallery where we represent other artists, we travel and exhibit at contemporary art fairs, we host exhibitions in our gallery, we work on large scale corporate commissions and small private commissions – we have our hands in a lot of different things! We work very hard and it is extremely rewarding. We are our own bosses and the future is ours to map out.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not have come across my work before, I’m Stacey, an artist based in Philadelphia. My practice revolves around transforming everyday objects— often banknotes and circulated coins—into intricate works of art. I use embroidery, sawing, soldering and other skilled techniques to reshape their meaning, often challenging our perception of money’s power, value, and symbolism.
I’m often asked, “How did you start working with money?” It’s funny because money, as a material, is both universal and deeply personal. I quickly realized how charged yet overlooked these objects are—we handle money daily, yet rarely stop to consider their design, history, or the invisible systems they represent. Ultimately, I want people to know that my work is about transformation—taking something we think we understand and turning it into something else entirely. Whether it’s stitching intricate fire onto dollar bills or sculpting with coins, my goal is to make people pause, look closer, and reconsider what they see every day.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to give form to ideas that don’t yet exist—to transform the abstract into something tangible. There’s a kind of magic in turning a concept into a physical object that resonates with people, whether through beauty or discomfort. Much of my work involves altering coins or paper money, reshaping these everyday materials into something unexpected. One of the most gratifying moments is watching someone step closer, examine the piece, and suddenly realize they’re looking at pennies or dollar bills. That moment of recognition—of seeing the familiar in an unfamiliar way—is what makes the process so fulfilling.
There’s also a deeply personal, almost meditative quality to the creative process—the quiet moments when you’re fully immersed in making, and time seems to fall away. In those moments, you’re simply in conversation with the work, lost in the flow of creation. I often refer to myself as a ‘studio rat’ because that’s where my love for art-making truly began. That sense of being absorbed in the process, away from everything else, is irreplaceable.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
The art world demands immense passion and relentless drive to carve out a place for yourself. While confidence develops over time, it takes an initial spark of belief and determination to keep moving forward. It’s up to you to build a community of support and energy that propels you toward your artistic goals. Life is a journey, and we’re the ones who steer the boat in the direction we want to go. Surround yourself with what and who helps you move forward, and avoid what holds you back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staceyleewebber.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyleewebber
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceyleewebber/
- Linkedin: Stacey Lee Webber
Image Credits
These photos are from the current exhibition at Bertrand Productions, Philadelphia PA titled, Double or Nothing, featuring the money manipulation artworks of Stacey Lee Webber and Mark Wagner.