Expressions by Stephanie
What is “Expressions by Stephanie” all about, and who is Stephanie? Well, I am an artist, reservist and first responder. Let’s dive in.
I joined the Coast Guard reserves in my late 20’s because I believed in helping others, and had reached a point in my life where I wanted to become more responsible, take better care of myself, and take care of my family. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that decision was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have grown as a person, became stronger in every sense of the word, and have something in my life to give me stability.
Shortly after finishing basic training, I started volunteering at a fire department, where I stayed for four years. I have been an EMT for about eight years now, with 911 experience from the fire department, plus two years of working on an ambulance doing transfers, two years of dispatching experience, and just over two years of working as an ER Tech so far.
You know what’s great about working in emergency medicine? Working twelve hour shifts a few days a week gives me time to pursue art while not being, you know, a starving artist.
Let’s talk about art. In elementary school, I was the only student qualified to attend a 9th grade art class before going to my own classes in the morning. Once I reached high school, I took advanced art classes. My senior year art teacher said out of all of my mediums, I was an oil painter. I still love working with oils. Eventually, I earned an Associates Degree in Art. Most of my classes consisted of drawing using vine charcoal, but I also enjoyed a semester of photography.
Post college, I place well enough in various competitions to have my art published in online magazines. I have a collection on my website showcasing these pieces, and still compete from time to time.
Expressions by Stephanie is the business embodiment of an eclectic artist who refuses to conform to a niche. My website has collections for all 2D media that I use, divided as logically as I can. My personal favorite collection for photography is Wild and Free, because I love sky gazing. I have a separate website for my artwork, which has many floral paintings.
My “expressions” delve into writing as well. My Medium blog primarily focuses on my first responder stories, as well as educational medical posts. I have another one for personal stories, and another publication for my art.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have my own business, and the ability to pursue my passions. My expressions help me cope with life’s past and present stresses, and gives me excitement for the future of possibilities.
“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8
I do not publish behind a “paywall,” so read all you’d like.
