Behind the Art with Steph Blondet

MG: Where are you from?

SB: I'm from Puerto Rico, and I currently reside in Tampa, FL.

MG: Tell us about your journey with art, did you always know you wanted to become a full-time artist?

SB: Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to become a full-time artist. I had an uncle who was an artist, and we spent a lot of time together. He was the one who taught me how to add highlights and shadows to drawings with just one pencil. I was amazed by all the things you could do as an artist, and I knew that I wanted to pursue it at some point in my life. I didn’t go to art school because, at that time, it wasn’t seen as a 'real career,' so I went to business school instead, knowing I would eventually start my own business. I took many art classes growing up and spent all my free time creating.

After grad school, I moved to Washington, DC, to pursue a career in graphic design and web development in corporate America. During that time, I occasionally sold paintings to collectors in the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. In early 2021, after a health scare, I decided to take the time to find my artistic voice. I began experimenting with different mediums to explore what I enjoyed. It wasn’t until May 2023, after my soul dog passed away, that I decided to take my art career seriously and push it to the next level. One of the many things my dog taught me is that life is too short, so I took the chance and decided to pursue my dreams.

MG: Your artwork is full of texture and dimension. Can you tell us about this process and what materials you use in your pieces?

SB: To me, the texture represents the unpredictable nature of life, while the sculptural lines convey the highs and lows we collectively experience. Texture and dimension are essential elements in all of my work. I use professional materials from Golden and Liquitex to ensure the highest quality. I create my own mixture of clay, combining it with professional mediums to harden the clay and securely adhere it to the cradled wood panel. This process allows the clay to retain its form and integrity over time.

Once the clay is in place, I apply texture to both the panel and the clay, giving the surface a unique look. This appearance is crucial to the overall feel of the piece. After adding the white texture, I begin painting. The colors I choose are carefully selected based on the message I want to convey. Each hue is intended to evoke specific emotions and complement the texture, enhancing the overall impact of the piece.

MG: What led to creating your whimsical cupcake and ice cream works? 

SB: I started creating ice cream wall sculptures after experiencing a long period of burnout. After creating numerous sculptural paintings for different shows and commitments, I realized I needed a break. Since art is my therapy, I couldn’t stop making it entirely, but I felt the need for something different—something lighter and more playful. It was also a time when I wanted to explore wall sculptures further, so I decided to give it a try. Given that it’s usually hot in Florida, and I love ice cream, it seemed like the perfect subject to bring a bit of joy and whimsy into my work. I wanted to create something fun that people could collect and be reminded to enjoy the little things in life. After successfully launching my first ice cream collection, I felt inspired to continue creating wall sculptures, which led me to the idea of making cupcakes. I’ve always had a sweet tooth and a love for ice cream and cupcakes, so it felt natural to create these types of art pieces.

MG: Where do you find inspiration for your work? Tell us about it. 

SB: I believe that growing up in Puerto Rico had a very colorful influence on me. Old San Juan is vibrant and full of color, and walking through its streets always made me feel happy. This exposure to such a vibrant environment is why I use a lot of color in my work—I can’t remember a day growing up when I didn’t see colorful buildings and art around Puerto Rico. Nature also plays a significant role in my inspiration. Living across from a nature preserve in Florida means I’m constantly observing and drawing inspiration from my surroundings. The sculptural lines and shapes in my work are inspired by the organic forms I see in nature. Additionally, I occasionally find inspiration in other art forms, such as architecture and textiles, which contribute to the texture and patterns in my pieces.

MG: Is there a particular tool or medium that is your favorite to use?

SB: I love using clay, and it's a medium I am excited to continue exploring. What I enjoy about clay is its incredible versatility and the almost limitless possibilities it offers for my artistic expression. From crafting simple lines, to shaping bold, dramatic forms, clay adapts to my creative vision in numerous ways. Its malleability allows me to mold and manipulate it to bring my ideas to life. The texture of clay also plays a significant role in my work, enabling me to experiment with various finishes. This hands-on, tactile experience is immensely satisfying and integral to my creative process. Clay not only challenges and inspires me but also provides a tangible connection to the forms and textures I envision, making it an indispensable part of my artistic practice. 

MG: Any advice for new or emerging artists?

SB: I would advise emerging artists to keep creating and consistently showing up on social media. It can be challenging with ever-changing algorithms, but regularly sharing your work and voice is crucial for advancing your art career. Also, I would say to focus on creating what you truly feel passionate about. With the constant influx of visuals on the internet, it’s easy to get distracted by trends and comparisons. Instead, stay true to your own practice and vision. Find opportunities to grow and seek feedback from others, but always prioritize your unique voice and artistic integrity. Persistence and authenticity are key to standing out and finding your place in the art world.

Steph will be releasing a new collection with The Miller Gallery Thursday, August 15th at 10am ET. For pre-sale inquiries, please email info@themillergallery.com. Thanks for tuning in!