Bunny 7, wax and stuffed toy, 2in x 2in x4in, 2012
Briefly describe the work that you do.
My work tells a personal narrative about loss and grief. I use printmaking, sculpture, and video to explore the pain. I am an object maker as well as an image maker: I make objects that I can play with, touch, group and hold. Materials such as wax, ink, childhood stuffed bunnies in my work reference disease, the body, and adolescence.
At what point in your life did you decide to become an artist?
Looking back on my life I have always been creative. When I entered college I was undecided on my major. It wasn’t until I learned that I could take art classes for credit I seriously thought about a career in the art field. I fell in love with art after taking my first Art History and 2d Design course. From that moment I knew that I always wanted to be surrounded by art. As I got more involved with art I knew that my ultimate goal would be to teach and share my knowledge and love of art with others.
Tell us a little about your background and how that influences you as an artist.
I lost my father to cancer when I was 16 years old. Since the death of my father I have always struggled to find ways to deal with the loss and pain of that event.
Frozen, ink and stuffed toy bunnies, 10ft x 14ft. 2012
What types of conceptual concerns are present in your work? How do those relate to the specific process(es) or media you use?
Disease, Loss, Grief, Childhood and Pain. I use stuffed plush bunnies to represent childhood. The bunny itself is a play on the idea of “multiplying like rabbits” and the bunnies “multiply like cancer cells” in my work. The violent actions that I have used on each bunny represent my frustration with loss in my life and the physical disease.
Untitled 1, monoprint, 2011
We once heard Chuck Close say he did not believe in being inspired, rather in working hard everyday. What motivates you in your studio practice?
The idea of “play” motivates me in my studio. I constantly have ideas and write them into a journal. But I always try and make time to bring them to life. If I ever feel that I am stuck I ask myself “what if”… What if I change the color? What if I change the size? What if I make this a print? I play with my ideas. They keep me entertained and motivated.
What artists living or non-living influence your work?
I have been influenced by the works of Kiki Smith through her storytelling, use of the human body and her studio practice. I also look at Louise Bourgeois for how she uses a complex autobiography in her work.
When you are not making art what types of activities and interests do you engage in?
I love to travel! When I am not making art I am always planning my next trip. I have been to numerous places in Europe and Asia.
About
Stacy Streeter is a Jacksonville based artist, who creates work about a personal narrative that deals with loss and grief. She uses multiple media such as printmaking, video, and sculpture to convey her ideas. Stacy went to the University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida) were she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art in 2009. In May of 2012 she completed her Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Art and Art History from the University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida). She currently works at Flagler College in St. Augustine where she teaches Visual Culture and Digital Photography.
Detail: Untitled 1, monoprint, 2011
All images copyright of the artist and used with their permission.
365 Artists | 365 Days 