We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacy Mootoo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacy below.

Stacy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

At times I do wish that I had started my creative journey earlier than I did. I am also grateful for the lessons and experiences I’ve had prior to starting my creative career. Life has a way of teaching you things that only come with time, allowing for growth. Based on personal experiences, current events and things taking place on a global level, my perspectives, opinions and beliefs have evolved from what they once were. As such, I think that its allowed me to be more conscious and deliberate with my work as an artist. It’s always an eye opener, when I go back and take a look through my old sketches and art pieces. It’s a good reminder of where I was, where I am, and my potential for the future.

Stacy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m originally from Trinidad, and spent my early childhood years there. I grew up with my cousins, one of whom is an amazing artist and I credit him for sparking my interest in art. I later moved to the Bay Area, California, where I grew up. Despite pursuing a career in the healthcare field, I never lost my love art. The Bay Area has a unique and robust art scene that has grown over the years. After submitting an art at a local art show, the encouragement and support I received was overwhelming and contributed to my decision to take art more seriously. Before, I would create artwork for myself or for friends and family as gifts on special occasions.

Although I have had no “formal training” in art, I have a range of mediums that I am able to work with. The mediums have evolved as I have as an artists from graphite, pen/ink with various techniques, etching, paper cuts, quilling, digital media and paper sculpture. Despite the range of mediums, my palate is usually mono or dichromatic. I may incorporate color from time to time but I love working with a limited palate. With the absence of color, I place more focus on technique, precision and a level of complex simplicity for each piece.

I have fallen in love with paper sculpture which have been most of my recent works. These paper sculptures are hand made and hand cut making each piece unique. This is a 1 of 1, exclusivity type of piece. Even if I were to attempt to re-create the piece, no two pieces would be identical. Each piece is very labor intensive, some taking weeks to months to complete. My artwork is a reflection of me, as an artist, and I take great pride in my work. I am fortunate to have the ability to work with paper in the way that I do allowing my work to stand out. Ironically, many galleries have declined and turned me away because my work is different and just doesn’t fit what their patrons/audience is used to. I will continue to create my own lane, create art that I love and for those who love my work.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having the opportunity to do what I love and the chance to share my work with others. Also, just reactions of some viewers when they are amazed by how a piece was created means the world to me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission/goal in my creative journey is to be my authentic self, create artwork that resonates with me and has meaning. Having lived and worked through a pandemic, my experience during that time has helped reshape my focus. I try to find joy in the simple things many take for granted and I have a new appreciation for TIME. Time is fleeting and is the one thing we can never get back. Never stop learning, continue to grow, evolve and perfect your craft. Had I not, I would have never discovered my love for paper sculpture had I not decided to ‘give it a try’.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @stacy.mootoo

Image Credits
Credits for original pictures used for artwork Original Spike Lee photo from Icon Magazine Cover Original Miles Davis photo from Aaron Rapoport Original Nipsey Hussle photo – unable to find original source Original Billie Holiday photo – William Gottlieb and found in article from Vogue France Original Malcolm X photo – Michael Ochs