We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stevie Vanderheiden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stevie below.
Stevie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I believe the first risk I have ever taken regarding selling my art was at an event called The Joe Expo. I was fairly new to the local art scene and had no experience in trying to sell my pieces. I had been encouraged by friends and family to try to expand locally. This opened a door for me in my community and is ultimately the what got my name out there as a serious artist. I sold a few pieces but the exposure was the most beneficial aspect of that event.
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?
My story is different and somewhat strange. I first tapped into my talent while serving a short prison sentence. I found art to be a positive and reflectionary outlet for me during a pretty dark time. After my release, I continued to use art as an escape and form of meditiation. I value my alone time and this was my outlet to express my inner thoughts, frustrations and feelings in a more positive way. I am considered a spray paint artist, however I often incorporate several medias into my pieces. I pride myself in making art accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances. I believe art should be enjoyed by everyone. While I am a museum showcased artist, I donate many pieces for charity fundraisers and try to participate in local shows/events with affordable pieces. The majority of my work is found and sold on my social media pages. This is how most clients reach out to me regarding commision work or gallery pieces I have for sale. I take pride in supporting my local art and music scene and firmly believe in our success coming from community and local support of one another.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My number one goal is and has always been to inspire a younger generation, specifically those that struggle to fit into a societal box, not to give up hope for a positive future. Finding art saved me during a time when I was unsure of what the future held for me, and while it may not be making me rich, having an artistic outlet ultimately saved my life and has been an unusual but meaningful form of therapy.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Thus far, the most rewarding moments of this journey have been being selected for a private show for the Nicolaysen Art Museum and seeing the community’s reaction to the pieces I chose to showcase. During the 6 week showing, a local preschool/elementary art class chose my exhibit as an inspiration for their own unit on street art. The teacher reached out to me personally to show each child’s interpretation of what they had seen in my work. Of any of the events and accolades I have recieved, seeing how my work inspired and excited young artists has truly been the coolest thing I have experienced.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanderheiden_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanderheidendesign?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@vanderheidendesign3568
- Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/vanderheidendesign