International award-winning Artist Stephanie MacKenzie, is a vibrant talent. Multiple layers, brilliant colours and intricate designs unite through storytelling and blended archetypes bringing lush dimensions to her work. Immerse yourself into a high saturated universe with artist Mackenzie. Intense colour and vivid brushstrokes are created through movement while listening to a range of music. Mackenzie uses the vibration of sound to submerge herself into her self conscious and let her inner voice speak through each gestural movement. Using form, space and colour to communicate an infinite number of patterns. Expressing her ideas by creating a visual language through her contemporary Art. Dive into the labyrinth of Mackenzie’s inner existence.
The creation of each piece requires MacKenzie to draw on all her traditional art studies of drawing, painting, design and sculpture, as well as her extensive computer skills. The process of producing each piece is complex. Models, costumes, lighting, set and storyboards are important elements in the early stages before digital technology is applied to create the final Arts. After being printed on canvas, MacKenzie’s original works are hand-embellished by adapting and using acrylic paint and gel mediums to create her multiple dimensional unique originals.
Her Art is gaining recognition & being collected on a global level & has been showcased for donation alongside His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Sir Peter Blake CBE RDI, Pierce Brosnan OBE and Nick Park CBE for The Prince’s Trust charity in London UK.
With three suitcases and her camera by her side, Mackenzie got a one-way ticket from Toronto to the largest hot spot for Art leaving her family and friends behind to pursue her dream. Now residing in Paris, France, Stephanie is working internationally. Her award-winning art has been published, collected and showcased globally.
Self-taught or art school?
I studied at Sheridan College, a globally well-known Art school in Toronto Canada. My studies started with Art fundamentals which was a combination of different Arts such as design, sculpture, painting, drawing and photography. I then pursued to get a degree in photography. A couple of years later I got a one-way ticket from Toronto to the largest hot spot for Art leaving family and friends behind to pursue a dream. Paris has now been my home for almost 14 years.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
At the National Portrait Gallery in 2007, I had the chance to visit the “Pop Art Portraits” exhibition. I was newly arrived in Paris from Toronto and was going for an interview to be a photo editor. After landing the job to run the European division, the CEO was kind enough to tell me about the show. The pieces that spoke to me on a deep level were the Marilyn Monroe series. They were all so beautiful and I would be thrilled to have any one of them. The bold colours jumped off the canvases giving me a burst of energy each moment my gaze was captured by the intensity of each of the pieces. I could not get enough of them. I even returned to that part of the exhibit for a second viewing.
How would you describe your style?
My artwork has evolved through the years from a photographic background into abstract expression. I was drawn to the freedom to explore my imagination as well as the control within the expressiveness of my passion. This is created through movement while listening to a range of music. It could be ambient lounge, soul, classic or pop or any sound that sparks feeling while listening to it. I use the vibration of sound and connect to my subconscious, letting my inner voice speak through each gestural movement. Using form, space and colour to communicate infinite patterns. Expressing ideas by creating a visual language within contemporary Art connects me to the world in unexpected ways.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
Music is an important role in creating my abstract artwork. Sound and rhythm influence the shape, length and pressure I use to form each stroke. I listen to several different musicians and genres before making a selection that inspires an Art piece. The different styles evoke many unique combinations of emotions. With the perfect song, those emotions burst into my mind as colours and dance around until I place them on the canvas.
Is narrative important within your work?
Yes! Human Energy (Theme) is triggered by a range of music. Executed by using vibrant acrylic and acrylic inks with a large range of colours and brought alive with movement, shape form and balance.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
There are many artists that I have admired throughout my artistic career. Each exhibits different types of artistry that galvanize my imagination to create my original Arts.
CY Twombly for his ability to be free with his movement while being able to give power and depth to his work. The strength of his brushstrokes dominate parts of his canvas leaving areas to be left blank, allowing the viewer’s gaze to wander and be captured by whatever catches their focus.
Sonia Delaunay for her exploration of shapes and her success transferring the Art onto textiles while being able to keep the rhythm, motion and depth of her originals.
Deadmau5 for his unique ability to mix sound and the way it brings me into a meditative, creative space immediately.
What or who inspires your art?
Art is a part of my family heritage and has greatly influenced my artistic talent since childhood. My great grandfather studied design in Paris and then went to open his couture leather goods company. He passed everything on to my grandfather who was also a gifted oil painter. Watching and learning from my grandfather was inspiring, and by 5 years old it was obvious that Art was inherited and a big part of who I would become. Knowing that my great grandfather had studied in Paris, gave me the courage to reach for my dream and move across the ocean, leaving family and friends behind, to the city that impacted his career.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is located in Paris in the 12th arrondissement on the right bank of the River Seine near Opéra Bastille. It is surrounded by beautiful parks and century-old markets. The view is of the colourful Marché d’Aligre.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Crossing the Seine through Île Saint-Louis on my scooter, I absorb the beautiful surroundings, which fills me with inspiration before I arrive at the studio. When I arrive, I enjoy a coffee while writing down ideas and goals for the day.
What are you working on currently?
There are two main avenues that will allow me to continue to follow my muse.
Textiles have always intrigued me as a possible medium for the expression of my arts. Thus, I have been exploring that direction and am in the production phase of presenting my Artwork on silk scarves as limited edition pieces, which will include a certificate of authenticity. After that, I plan to display my art on silk Kimonos.
Meanwhile, I will continue to create new pieces as well as show my Artwork to global audiences through galleries, private collections and other ventures. There are many approaches to reaching a broader audience, both online and in-person, that I have been researching and plan to expand in the upcoming months. I’m looking forward to all the possibilities still left to explore.
Where can we buy your art?
I can be contacted privately.
Website: www.stephanie-mackenzie.com
Instagram: @stephaniemackenzieartist
