By Melissa Azavedo

Art is subjective in nature, and there is no accurate perception of it as we all come from different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences. Stephanie Sequeira has delved into a simplistic approach to her wood art that ignites a sense of inspiration and awe, while her peaceful personality envelops each piece – adding an elevated appreciation of her artwork. Let’s get to know more about Stephanie’s story and what moved her to enter the artistic realm.

Stephanie, what enthused you to dwell in wood art specifically?
Since I was little, I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. I recently discovered wood as an excellent canvas to paint on because of its texture and versatility. For this reason, I was drawn more to wooden home décor and signs. I also enjoy creating wood signs that truly speak to everyone with a little humor in them to brighten their day.

Where do you draw inspiration from while creating in your work?
My inspiration to craft wood signs comes from my love of the rustic charm of farmhouse decor and the power of meaningful quotes or sayings.
Personal experiences and memories, as well as the desire to convey heartfelt messages, often inspire wood sign designs as well.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” as quoted by Albert Einstein. Do you agree with this statement?
I believe it is important to recognize that both imagination and knowledge are valuable and often work parallel to each other. Knowledge provides a foundation upon which imagination can be built, and imagination can encourage individuals to push the boundaries of their existing knowledge.
When I first started working with wood as an amateur, it took time for me to understand its properties and how it behaves with different mediums/treatments. Similarly, gaining knowledge about woodworking tools and techniques along with safety protocols was essential before I dived into the world of imagination.

What is your view about creativity and imagination?
Creativity and imagination come into play when I’m mostly working with customized orders. Working with customers’ requests gives me a different perspective on creativity each time and it further develops into an inspiration for some of my other projects.

Empathy is essential in the field of art. There is a level of emotional connection between the artist and the other in terms of how art is communicated. Keeping this aspect in mind, while receiving multiple orders at the same time, have you ever felt that you were not able to empathize with your clients’ requests as much as you wanted?
Empathy is indeed essential in the field of art.
Personally it has helped me connect with my customers’ emotions, preferences, and intentions. Nevertheless, this connection may become more challenging when faced with multiple requests at the same time. The experience can be overwhelming, but it has taught me valuable lessons in time management and order prioritization.
I’ve learned to accept orders based on my workload capacity without compromising on the quality of the work and to communicate effectively and efficiently with other customers, ensuring that their requests would be accomplished in a sufficient amount of time.

Having been on this artistic journey for a while now, could you share with our readers how they can stay true to themselves and to art?
Staying true to oneself and to art is an ongoing process of self-discovery and creative integrity. Patience is my constant companion. The creative process can be challenging with self-doubt being the most common; however, be patient and compassionate as growth and improvement takes time.
Although at times the work you do can be overwhelming, never lose yourself, your moral values and kindness. It’s essential to remember that who you are as a person profoundly influences the quality of your work and how you interact with your customers.
Your integrity and gentleness not only shape the character of your creations but also enhance the relationships you build with those who appreciate your art. By staying true to your core values and treating customers with respect and empathy, you not only create beautiful art but also foster a sense of trust and genuineness in your craft.
In the ever-evolving world of creativity, being authentic and ethical remain a constant guiding light, ensuring that your art remains a true reflection of your inner self.

Find out more and follow Stephanie on Instagram @stephartdesigns or visit her website.