Meet Stefanie Landes | Artist & maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stefanie Landes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stefanie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This is a very interesting question, and one that I have thought about a lot over the years. To be an artist, and to balance creativity and life means something different to each and every person. And I believe each person gets something different out of it as well.

A candle can only burn from both ends for a short while before the flame is extinguished. And I think the same applies to the work-life balance. I work to have money to live. I then devote my time to what matters most to me. I work on my art and myself, and that is greatly fulfilling.

Sometimes I find myself too far on either end of the spectrum, which coincides with feelings of burnout. Over time, I have realized that living life is just as important as working. Forming connections and growing in numerous other ways are valid. Rest is also important, and the balance fluctuates daily.

I think the most important part is constantly checking in with myself, and seeing what I need in that moment. I have realized that listening to my body can sometimes be different than listening to the mind. And that is okay. There is not one way to live life, and the recipe looks different for everybody.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want to show my joy of creating through the things I make. I consider myself lucky that I have so many mediums to showcase my creativity. There was a time when I resisted that, and felt that I needed to narrow it down in order to consider myself a “true artist”. Now I consider that one of my greatest strengths. Whether that is through painting, illustration, embroidery, or sewing, I want that freedom and happiness to shine through. I create with whatever speaks to me in the moment, and each piece tells a story of where I was at in that point of my life. Joy has no limits, so neither should I.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My ideal trip would be full of fun little excursions. We could grab some tea at Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge on Grand Ave, and while we are there we could pop into Abloom’s Salon and Gallery to view the local goods and art. To get out of the city we could go to the Desert Botanical Garden or further out to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. If we wanted to do more plant-sightings, we would go take a stroll around Whitfill Nursery. We could pop into Jerry’s Artarama or Arizona Art Supply for some artsy treats. We would then grab some sushi at Akaihana, and hit the Brass Armadillo for some fun treasure hunting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone over the years that have offered their support, help and guidance. Whether that be a friend whispering words of encouragement as my external drive failed yet again at 3am in the dark computer lab, to so many wonderful artist friends offering advice for products and ideas, to people that have supported my business and myself, to my partner – who always humors my numerous “come take a look at this!” requests more times than a single human should. Thank you all for helping me become the person I am today.

Website: https://www.tinyhorsestudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlanders

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tylerbound07

Other: Art insta: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhorsestudio