Every now and again you meet someone who you like in an instant. At Coolangatta Arts markets one hot Summer’s day, I saw Stephanie Laine surrounded by her vibrant paintings, talking naturally and easily to customers. Here she shares her story with oohm, where she finds her inspiration, what she paints and why she paints for a living.
Can you tell us your story, when did you first realise you wanted to paint for a living?
I’ve probably always wanted to paint for a living but I didn’t believe it was possible. I spent most of my childhood drawing and painting and even though I received various art awards and my dad was a successful artist., I was discouraged from following a creative path. So I started out in Real Estate and then married an illustrator and helped run our art studio for 12 years. When we separated I thought ‘ok, it’s now or never.’ With 2 young children and no work prospects I started painting large abstract artworks. I deliberately had no plan B so I had to push through my blocks and just keep trying to make it work. Two years later my dream was realised, I was supporting myself and my family doing something I love.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I’d love to say I’m inspired by nature and that can be true but it’s really anything visual that has a beautiful balance of contrast, texture and colour. It could be another artist’s painting or a beautiful room. These elements speak my language and I feel an overwhelming desire to express this too. Some days it feels like its going to come bursting out of my pores if don’t get it out onto the canvas.
What do you like to paint the most and why?
For me it can be more about the process than the subject and the most enjoyable process is when I intuitively sense what to do, my thoughts subside and the painting evolves from a place that just seems to know, there’s no doubt or questioning, just a quiet confidence and a sense of oneness. That doesn’t happen as often as I’d like but when it does, it’s such a beautiful grounding experience. It’s my goal to paint from this place as much as I can and I know that what evolves will be just right.
My paintings are for sale on my website at http://www.studiolaine.com.au and in some stores and galleries. I also attend the Coolangatta Arts Markets once a month.
By Artist Stephanie Laine