We were lucky to catch up with Stephen Moody recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Stephen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
As I sat in my broadcast journalism class, the passion inside me to pursue the arts erupted.
I worked hard in a photolab and ran my own portrait studio during college, knowing that if I didn’t graduate, my mother would be very disappointed. Graduation came and I was offered a job at a local TV station, for a quarter of what I was making from my portrait studio – but without hesitation, I thanked them and kept on creating portraits.
My journey brought me to New York City where I thrived in advertising and catalog photography, before taking a dramatic turn into creating stunning fine art pieces. My first show in Scottsdale sold three of five paintings, totaling $15,000 on opening night alone, and I’ve resided here ever since.
In 2021, encouraged by my girlfriend, I wrote a spicy romance novel; the first draft completed within a month. This prompted me to produce and publish Male Art Form, an underwater photography coffee table book of my fine art male nudes that quickly shot up to #1 on Amazon.
Im currently working on my third romance novel, I’m inspired by the heights of creativity achievable with passion and dedication.
Stephen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a multifaceted artist, I have my hand in many creative pots. My friends have taken to calling me “The Renaissance Man” – and though they may jest, there is some truth to the nickname: I am truly lucky to have had the opportunities throughout life that have allowed me to be successful in so many fields.
My enthusiasm for photography started early – I was six years old when I first picked up a camera. By the age of eleven, I was already creating portraits – so well-crafted, in fact, that they were generating enough money for me to buy more film! Before long, I had set up a color darkroom in my home. By sixteen, I was shooting advertising images and photographing local rock bands alike. It wasn’t long before everyone knew me as The Photographer.
My work in photography has led me down many paths – from a boudoir portrait studio in Salt Lake City to a commercial studio in New York City. In 2003, however, I made a leap into Fine Art and had my first show in an Old Town Scottsdale gallery – where three pieces sold for five figures on opening night alone! This move changed the course of my career and since then, I have been producing handmade Italian silk ties with artwork reproduced onto them, plus silk scarves, dresses, bomber jackets, aprons, bathing suits and more.
I felt incredibly blessed to have secured a writing role for two esteemed professional photography magazines, where I was responsible for producing the monthly ‘You Heard It From Moody’ column. Using this opportunity, I showcased my exceptional knowledge of lighting and camera techniques by creating compelling images from start to finish – with precise use of Photoshop playing its part too. All those hours spent in college studying writing had truly paid off!
Most recently, 2021 saw me write my debut romance novel at the request of my girlfriend. With plans to release the second one this November and currently writing the third – it’s safe to say that I’m well on my way towards achieving literary success as well!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
No one is exempt from creativity – it’s a universal language! An accountant has a creative eye for numbers and patterns. A salesperson’s craft lies in their ability to draw out the potential of products from customers, while a scientist unlocks mysteries through their creative genius. In truth, creativity exists in each and every one of us ― some may use more of it than others, and those we call ‘artists’.
As for an artist, they are gifted with true visionary power, able to take what they observe around them and translate that into something unique and beautiful. When someone looks at this art, all of their own individual perceptions come into play; their own ideas, memories, stories and feelings meld together to create something new entirely. Art isn’t just about replicating what the artist has seen or done – it’s about finding joy in your own interpretation of the art.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My metamorphic journey began at a tender age, as my wise grandfather warned me of the perils of complacency. To act without pause has become my life motto.
I pursued an ambitious vision — to redefine boudoir photography in Salt Lake City, and since then have never stopped pushing the boundaries of artistry. My creativity was soon recognised by AGFA film company who showcased my work internationally and ultimately inspired me to open a commercial studio in New York City.
Dreams often become portals for innovative inspirations that flood my unconsciousness in moments of slumber, gifting me with stunningly vivid imagery and ethereal stories awaiting transposition into reality. Adversity has sought to impede me more than once, but I refuse to yield.
It is as though I require creative expression like air to sustain me; an indefatigable compulsion to move ever forward through the power of creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moodyfineart.com
- Instagram: @stephenmoodyartist
- Facebook: @stephenmoodyartist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moody/
- Twitter: @smoodyauthor
- Youtube: @StephenMoodyArtist
Image Credits
Photography by Stephen Moody