Meet the Artist
Whimsical World Builder – Visual Storyteller – Color Enthusiast
Steph Joy Hogan is a painter, mixed-media artist and Lansing native. Though she studied art at both Michigan State University and the University of Iowa, she considers herself a primarily self-taught painter. Steph credits her parents and sisters for developing her love of visual arts, her over-active imagination and her outlandish sense of humor… all of which shine through in her whimsical paintings.
From tiny details to broad and frenetic brush strokes, Steph revels in bold color statements, unknown worlds, and the absurd and delightful all around us. She draws inspiration from artists who have influenced her as long as she can remember, including Dr. Seuss, Mary Blair, and Jim Henson. Working primarily with acrylic paint, inks, and paper ephemera Steph intuitively creates semi-abstract paintings, often including illustrative details inspired by colors and shapes that are developed through layers and layers of experimentation.
Various pieces from Steph’s Unknown Universe series have been featured during Arts Night Out with Piper & Gold Public Relations and recently in the Lansing Art Gallery’s Holiday exhibition. Her commissioned painting, “The Good, Good Garden” can be seen hanging in Impression 5 Science Center.
Artist Statement
The Unknown Universe is an ongoing series exploring uncharted worlds, from finger painted planets to the whimsical creatures that call them home. I hope to create a body of work that celebrates the bold, the unique, the vulnerable and the brave. Art that explores the unknown universes within us, not deep dark depths, demons or ghosts but the bright shining joyful lights, no matter how dim.
Exhibition and Reception
Stephanie’s work will be on exhibit at the Arts Council for the month of January with an Opening Reception on Jan. 12, 2018 from 5-8 p.m., during Arts Night Out in Old Town. We hope you will join us for some light refreshments and the opportunity to say hello to Stephanie and talk to her about her work and her life as an artist.
