We were lucky to catch up with Stacey Pilkington-Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stacey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?

I have a small team that helps me run my art studio and keep me focused. I was diagnosed with ADHD in my thirties and I’m still learning to manage it. I noticed successful artists often have support, and I’ve always had a lot of goals and plans in my head. I knew that achieving my creative vision for my community, studio, and my own art would require help.

I’ve been working with Jenna Webb since 2014, and I hired her as a gallery assistant in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we bought a house and turned it into my studio, The Blue House Studio. We offer classes, run a certified nursery, and create art for private and commercial purposes. Jenna has been instrumental in making The Blue House Studio what it is today. She is now our Studio Manager and creating her own body of work for our joined exhibits or events.

I first met Jenna when she was working at another gallery in town, and I liked her right away. She played a key role in getting our organizations to collaborate, providing a space for individuals with disabilities to create and exhibit art in the community. I hired her because she’s kind, honest, great at managing tasks, and creates excellent work. Her care and attention to detail in her own work spoke volumes to me. Thankfully, I was right – she’s absolutely wonderful!

As for the other staff at The Blue House Studio, they have been talented students who worked with us during breaks and summers. It’s been an honor to be a part of their creative journeys and to watch them succeed in their own careers and education.

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.

Following the passing of my father, I made the resolute decision to discontinue my current employment and complete my art degree, recognizing the necessity for guidance and skill refinement in pursuit of being a professional artist. While acknowledging that college may not be universally suitable, it felt safe for me. It provided me with essential structure, purpose, support, and a platform for collaborative learning. Subsequently, I offered my services as a volunteer in various roles within the local art community, acquiring invaluable knowledge and experiences.

I moved to Lincolnton to take care of my mother and a lack of creative opportunities led to the ownership of Gallery 27. A venture in which I invested seven years of diligent effort. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I directed my focus toward personal well-being and reflection, ultimately finding my voice. Following the passing of my mother, I was presented with a pivotal opportunity to purchase a property, a life-changing decision. Despite initial hesitance, guidance, and vision from supportive friends changed my perspective. With the help of friends, we took on the substantial renovation of the studio. We had to strip it down to bare bones and rebuild her with love. I chose the name The Blue House Studio, in honor of Frida Kahlo, a notable figure for her unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity, artist, woman, and soul.
My work often explores symbolism and folklore based on subjects found in nature, while simultaneously identifying themes of femininity, rebirth, and connection. Carefully juxtaposing the right animal with a flower to explore or expose underlying themes peppered with my southern roots. 
Each piece is carefully planned and thought out in subjects representing themes compositionally, color, and medium. I want to be able to fully execute a wide range of plant and animal life with a multimedia approach in hopes you’ll find a refreshing break from more traditional painting styles.
I hope clients see that I’m fully committed to bringing them quality and value in every project. My work is crafted with careful consideration, love, and respect. I try to show my respect to collectors by giving them affordable quality.
I’ve faced hardships in getting clients to understand the process, time, and planning. I love the excitement in the beginning stages and I always feel like the bad guy in an artistic project where I’m asked to join or advise. We are always met with shock when we give a realistic time frames. I would rather a client be upset because I can’t realistically meet a deadline than miss a deadline with an inferior product to avoid an upset. Choose your suffering, I guess. I’m always honest and willing to be flexible but realistic. Even if means I don’t get the job. The product in the end ultimately says it all.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Social media is so hard to navigate these days with the ever changing algorithms. Simply liking or sharing work on social media helps.
Businesses or Collectors should stop asking artists to work for free or discounted rates.
Any public works created by an artist should be cited and recognized on social media and in print.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Oh Yes! I’m thrilled to have been selected for the Olive Stack Gallery Residency in Ireland in 2025. During my time there, I’ll be capturing the beauty of the Irish landscape and nature through photography. I plan to use these images to create color palettes and textures that will inspire my “Greenman” paintings. I’m fascinated by the folklore surrounding Greenmen and the concept of a “Green Man.” The paintings will reflect the vibrant life found in the natural environment during our explorations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebluehousestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceypsmithart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluehouseartstudio
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@staceypsmithart

Image Credits

Robert Webb
TBHS Staff
Jenna Webb