Creator Five: Steph Holmes
Visual Artist Steph Holmes
Acrylic painter Steph Holmes' works often immediately greet us with scenes of nature in her own unique voice. The Millersville University graduate earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and drawing.
Steph describes much of her work as whimsical and is also known to create collages using secondhand papers — a sign of putting her interest in ecology into use. Holmes' art reflects her creative influences, which is where we'll start during this Creator Five look.
1) "I'm so inspired by author Robin Wall Kimmerer and the vision of nature she presents in her books. Kimmerer is a scientist, an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and an incredible storyteller. Her writing blends science and spirituality in such a way that it inspires me to continue to paint what I find very inherently spiritual in my own subjects. Start with her book Gathering Moss."
2) When telling us about her typical creative work day, she notes that her studio time is usually split between the start and end of her day.
"Though the time of day doesn't determine how creative I feel I can be, the state of my studio controls it all. I'm naturally messy while I'm making, but I absolutely NEED a clean space to begin a painting session. If my desk is clear, my mind is clear."
3) When grabbing these creative moments, Holmes shares that the high-cost route is not the only choice.
"Most people believe you've got to work with the best kind of paint, the most expensive types of paper, and be really picky about your supplies to make great art. It's absolutely fine if an artist does feel that way about their own practice, but that's not how I run my studio. Because I'm working to be as eco-conscious as I can be, I'm working with as many secondhand art materials as possible. Oftentimes I can't be picky about what brands I have available, but I do trust that through the power of my own creative problem-solving, I can layer my materials in such a way that I'm still creating downright magic."
(Regarding ecological pet peeves, she continues, "It drives me crazy that for decades now, the world has been talking about the damage we are causing to the natural world and the fact that plastic takes over 1000 years to decompose, and everyday people are still bagging and double bagging their groceries at the store. It's 2023 -- start bringing reusable bags with you, people!")
“Found Next with Visitors” —©Steph Holmes
4) The problem-solving skills she faces are necessities for many creatives, although the exact route may change for each individual. Steph suggests that artists and others "start a fear bucket list. We are so often held back by our fears, but I suspect that sometimes it's our fear that's alerting us to our next growth opportunity. Now, obviously, I don't mean to put yourself in danger or ignore a gut feeling telling you to run from a situation. Listen to that kind of fear. But the other kind? Do it. My fear bucket list has me painting on big canvases, getting on stage to tell my story, making sure I'm the first one out on the dance floor, and booking photo shoots to overcome my fear of being seen. Life is an adventure when you're less afraid of the possibilities."
5) Local adventures for the artist may involve hikes in area parks or heading down the road to Baltimore.
"Essential stops include the American Visionary Art Museum (you'll thank me later), then the National Aquarium, followed by a little exploring on foot to find something great to eat."
©Steph Holmes
Find more information about Steph Holmes here:
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York Dispatch, June 2022: "York Against the Grain: York City Woman Found Balance in Nature and Art”
All works copyright Steph Holmes and/or Andrew Smith. Linked videos from PechaKucha Night York and the York Dispatch.