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

Stephania, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Let’s dive deep into the profound world of artistic creation! When I first began my creative journey, I was super dedicated, spending countless hours sketching Roman plaster heads and people in the subway. I had a knack for it, but there was this one classmate who was even better than me at drawing. She had a head start, being a year older and starting earlier. I excelled in sculpture, but being second-best in drawing drove me nuts. It added a unique twist to my drawing journey. The joy of it was lost. And this often happens with people being good at something.

The reason we aspire to be exceptional at something is because we all want to be truly amazing. Who doesn’t crave awesomeness? It’s a fundamental human desire, to be respected, loved, and cherished. However, skill alone isn’t enough. What has truly filled my heart with joy and peace is my connection with God. I often ponder on how He crafted the grace of nature — the trees, the birds, choosing their colors, their sounds, and their scents. The sheer delight He must have felt, creating this vibrant world! Have you ever found yourself contemplating this?

I also like to reflect on the very act of creation and its profound meaning. Think about the immense beauty, perfection, and love packed into something as small as a hummingbird. The vibrant green of its head, its delicate beak, and how flowers are ingeniously designed to allure it and bring life. It’s absolutely mind-blowing, isn’t it?

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey there, I’m Stephania Gambaroff, a Russian-born American multi-disciplinary artist, executive hooligan, software engineer, proud mother of three, and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come a long way from being an immigrant with little more than faith to my name when I arrived in this country. My path isn’t about amassing material wealth or seeking recognition; it’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives, no matter how small. As Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” So, I’m focused on refining my way of life to nurture a greater love for humanity and a stronger inclination toward selflessness. This is my mission, not only in my art but also in my work.

I’m passionate about asking profound questions like, “What does it mean to truly be alive?” and “How can we genuinely feel love for our fellow human beings?” It’s no easy task, and sometimes all you can do is remind yourself, “I’m supposed to love them,” even if it means clenching your teeth and laughing out loud as you do the right thing.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve had a couple of genuinely transformative encounters with God that opened my eyes to the need for a change in my life and lifestyle. As I’ve grown with God over the years, I’ve built this incredible life, which is still a work in progress, requiring an everyday commitment filled with small, simple moments.

The core of this journey involves staying true to myself and practicing gratitude. I find my center by reading the Bible and praying to keep my spirit refreshed and real. Finding the time and consistency can be quite a challenge, so sometimes I read my Bible app in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep – those quiet moments become my sanctuary.

Now, with a 6-month-old baby, my nighttime awakenings are all about her. So, I make sure to read my Bible before diving into my daily work routine. As I stand at my desk, I take a few minutes to read a verse or two and reflect before, I check in on my team and organization through Slack. I’m also a huge fan of early mornings, catching the sunrise almost every day, it’s incredibly beautiful and never fails to fill me with awe.

My resilience is fueled by the constant renewal I receive from God, which keeps me pushing forward on my journey. It’s like what we find in Psalm 51:10, where King David’s prayer resonates with us: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” It’s a powerful reminder of the strength we can draw from faith.

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

I love this question, especially because I’ve got a straightforward answer, straight from Isaiah 6:8-13: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!'” It’s all about being ready to step up when the call comes!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gambaroff.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gambaroff_io/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stgambaroff/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gambaroff?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/stgambar/videos

Image Credits
photos courtesy of Stephania Gambaroff Art.