“Transitions” –an interview with artist Stephanie Navarro

What is your personal art story?

The heart of whatever I’ve done creatively was always emotion-based,
painting/creating as an outlet of sorts. As my art process evolved over the
years, a lot more abstract pieces emerged that were based on [my] emotions and
general interactions with everyday life. I guess I felt like I was translating
a different perspective of what some people would see as the mundane. But i
would say that regardless of medium or painting style, a lot of my art and
creativity is fueled and inspired by my family, friends, and memories.

What is your art process?

I typically paint 2D in acrylics, and sometimes incorporate some mixed media.
In general, I try not to think too much about what I’m going to create, instead
letting my paint colors and whatever I’m feeling at the moment to be my guides.
What emerges is genuine and my truth – regardless of subject matter.

Can art heal or transform?

Although I feel like everyone defines ‘healing’ differently, I do think that art
– either creating or viewing it – has a means of altering something inside.
Whether it stirs up the uncomfortable or the joyous, art causes shifts which are
already even the tiniest transformations. It can lead to a small change in
behavior, and have a rippling effect on everything else.

How/why are you attracted to art as a tool for healing?

I was very shy growing up, and my only real outlet for expression of any kind
was art and general creativity. It was comforting to have those means of
communication. I also grew up in a close-knit family, full of compassion and
sensitivity for others; my brothers and i were/are very close to our
grandmother. Throughout all the years of schooling, I always felt like there
was a way for creativity to bring people together. After discovering how
meaningful art (and the general act of creating) is in my life, I really believe
that it can also inspire growth and positive change in everyone else as well.

Are you teaching transformational art for others? how long have you worked
there? what is your vision?

I have definitely seen positive changes in behavior and attitude while these
students have been in the art classes, and that is a huge difference in this
population. (There is needed structure in the art that they do, which helps
guide and assist them).I have elders who started out not being interested in
colors and painting, who now look forward to art just so they can create
something. I have seen and continue to see great improvements overall, where
the older adults have become contributors and participants to the process,
rather than being on the outside looking in.

What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself and art going?

Because this past year and a half has been about ‘transitions’ for me and the
older adults, I haven’t been able to do much of my own personal art. My general
future goals for the class are to hopefully connect with the community a bit
more and for the older adults to keep maintaining/improving their individual
goals. I see myself continuing to teach in the Adult School system, at least
for a while, meaning that my own art process will be somewhat put on hold while
I obtain my teaching credentials. I hope to see my art evolving into something
based on my experiences working my these students.

Thank you Stephanie for such powerful interview. Art is intrinsic and important at any age.