Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Rodriguez.
Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in south Texas. I drew a bunch when I was little until I hit high school. That’s when I picked up brush painting. I had a rad art teacher who was a total free spirited Rolling Stones fanatic. She planned a field trip to SAMA which got me hooked on art. She educated me about college so I totally graduated early to try out animation school. I later took some time off and transferred to Texas State University. In college I learned how to oil paint and do digital work. I fell into mural work after a friend sent me this Instagram post from my now friend Heath. He was painting a mural and needed an assistant so I contacted him. After a couple of tries he finally responded and I was able to help him paint for the Spratx X Pow Wow collaboration. The Experience was awesome it was my first time using spray paint to create a mural so I knew right away it was something I wanted to do. After that I did a study abroad trip to Italy and it fueled my inspiration and love for classical artwork. I tried grad school for a semester I knew right away it wasn’t the direction I wanted to go. After dropping out I later picked up an apprenticeship with this rad black and grey tattoo artist named Tye Harris. After the apprenticeship I later moved back to Austin so I could focus more on my mural work. Currently I work at Studio Ink as a resident tattoo artist and full time painter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, but ironically it made the journey worth it. I dealt with my parents’ divorce and my own personal issues. At first it was something that bothered me but it made me stronger and definitely more appreciative. We all have highs and lows it’s just what life is so when I have bad days I’ve learned to be more gentle with myself. Self-care is extremely important, so it’s always a priority for me to make sure I’m strong physically and mentally.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My artwork is an extension of my heart and soul. It calms me and heals me; over time it has become an obsession. Instead of being limited to one thing I try to push myself and learn about other mediums. I try to use the work to tell a story or even communicate my own insecurities that I’m trying to understand. I’m proud I kept going, even when I found myself in tough situations I pushed through and made it to the other side each time. Being an artist has become a major part of my identity, if it was taken away I’d simply be hollow shell. Something that sets me apart from others?? LOL I’m a little goth gremlin that loves to slay dragons and make a mess with spray paint. Kidding I feel like it could be my creativity.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
SKULLY! my chunky black cat, she’s my shadow. I love music! I listen to all kinds it’s like fuel to the fire of creativity and Mr. Natural chocolate donuts……… key to my heart.
Contact Info:
- Email: Floreskimie@gmail.com
- Website: kimiefloresart.squarespace.com
- Instagram: @kimieflores
- Facebook: Kimieflores
- Youtube: Kimieflores
Image Credits:
Jay Ybarra @photojay
Charlie Velasco @charliethegreat – Night scene with red spray can
Neil Rutherford @hotpicklehamwater – Brush painting photo
Donavon Beckner @weights.and.measures – Tunnel photo
