An Interview With Artist Stephanie Mufson
Stefanie Mufson is a San Francisco artist whose work has an emotional tether which runs the spectrum of emotion from beauty to the darkness of isolation. The similarity that merges both sides of this spectrum is an element of mystery and an exploration of color. The majority of her work includes a person with detailed expressions set within a colorful scene that highlights the emotion in the character’s features. In this interview, Stefanie tells us about the themes in her work, the many directions her art is taking and why San Francisco is an inspiration.
Stefanie’s work is part of an art exhibit at SPACE Gallery which runs through May 28th.
What can you tell us about the basics of your artwork?
I work with a variety of mediums, but my true love is
oil painting. Generally speaking, all of my work has
an element of mystery in it. I love balancing on the
tight rope between the real and unreal. Softness,
sweetness, sadness and femininity are recurring themes
in my work… and of course I absolutely love color.
What projects are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a couple of random
commissions, including a full scale acrylic painting
on a 10 foot surfboard which is really fun. I also have 3 or 4 paintings I’m working on for upcoming
gallery shows. I’ve been working on this sort of
artsy-concept book, pairing images of my paintings
and photos with random text; it’s definitely still
a work in progress, and I’m also working on a few mixed media
sculpture-ettes…
What art goals do you have for yourself?
That’s always kind of a tough one…
I want to fully realize as many artistic whims as I
possibly can; I have SO many. I’ve done a little bit of
illustration work, and I’d like to do more of that.
Really I’d just like to continue on the path that I’m
heading and hope that things continue to go well.
Current / upcoming shows?
I am showing at Space Gallery on Polk in May, Micro-
Los Angeles Gallery in June, and City Art Gallery on
Valencia in July.
Do you have a favorite gallery in San Francisco?
There are so many great galleries here- I’d hate to
have to choose just one.
How much networking do you do with other local
artists?
Some, but perhaps not as much as I should, and I
intend to do more. I certainly am acquainted with many
creative folk in the city. It’s hard because I can
spend days lost in my studio before I remember I
should go out into the world and connect with all
those people out there.
What do you think the average visitor to San Francisco
should know about the art scene here?
That there are SO many good artists out here and it’s
Equally as important to visit the smaller galleries as it
is to see the big ones.
How does the city inspire or affect your art work?
San Francisco is my favorite city. It is a living,
breathing organism comprised of my favorite things:
Abundant color, prevalent nature, touches of nitty-
gritty-roughness, lots of music, lots of diversity…
and of course that all comes through in my work.
What advice do you have for emerging artists?
Work your tail off and learn to take a punch or two.
If you feel it in your gut that you can do it; I can’t
think of any reason why you shouldn’t.
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