Eclectic mixed-media artist Stephanie Antonio looks too her surroundings for inspiration and has surrounded herself with all sorts of creativity. Join Stephanie Antonio at the next RAW showcase and see her work at Elevate Lounge on Thursday, September 16th!

Tell us about yourself and how you first got started making art? 
I am a freelance mixed-media artist, photographer, and proprietor of Gypsy Camp-a growing collective of artists, musicians and appreciators of folk and alternative folk music, DIY art and lifestyle and community building.  I have two children- Jeremy and Sophia, who are also budding artists themselves.

I think as soon as I could grab anything to create something, I was making art.  I learned various mediums from my Mom, photography from my grandfather and painting from my Dad.  Jewelry, sculpting, and other crafts were self-taught. I think that I will always be learning with my art.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Eclectic.  I am constantly looking at my surroundings for the beauty (traditional and untraditional).  Many of my photos are frame with old circuit boards that are either painted, decoupage, or decorated to connect to the photo. I have made a tree and animals made out of old circuit boards, wires, and electronic components. Anything that can be re-used as art makes the challenge so fun. 

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
The world around me, my children, my boyfriend, and the adventures I experience in life.

What do you love most about what you do? 
The ability to create something with a story or a vision that makes the viewer create their own story in their imagination.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art? 
I love going to art shows and museums to look at art up close- to see the brush strokes, colors, or composition of the piece.  As far as other art that I do: painting (all mediums), beading, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and sculpting.

From start to finish, explain your process; what does a typical art-making day look like for you? 
Depending on what I am working on, I am either editing photos, painting for a themed show, or just creating for my own pleasure, I gather materials and begin a sort of layering process. After the base of the art is done, detailing and more coloring is done to what I am looking for in that piece.

Medium of choice?
It is a tie between photography and painting.

What sort of techniques do you most like working with? 
Since I do a lot of mixed media art, I guess my techniques are just various ones I have either learned or seen that I wanted to mimic.

Any previous exhibitions/collaborations that you are particularly proud of? 
All of the Gypsy Camps that I have been involved in, Chocolate Arts, and NAF.

Any accomplishments/goals you hope to achieve as an artist in the future?
To be able to do what I do and be able to provide for my children would be amazing.

Why showcase at RAW? 
It is a great opportunity to show my work, possibly sell my work, and network with other artists.  Plus it is a great way to be the audience with other art surrounding my own.

Favorite thing to do outside of your craft? 
Going on adventures with my boyfriend and children, exploring nature, reading, being with friends that make my world complete.

Any current rising stars within the art arena that you would recommend we look out for?
Hallah Karaman- her mixed media art is amazing as well as her photography.  
Cecelia Polkinhorn- A painter/photographer who has an amazing eye for detail. 
Flip Cassidy- His art and photography is unique and weaselly.
Lisha Joy- her painting are stunning and her photography is ethereal.
Ari Abramczyk- her photography is probably what I hope one day to attain.