Stephanie Loomis

I am an accidental artist.

My drawings were never fit for classroom walls. I got a “C” in 7th grade ceramics (don’t ask how ugly was my ashtray.) I did tweak out a good grade in metal shop (and I still have the brass candle holder I made there!) I skipped art entirely in high school, and in college gave up on graphic arts and opted for journalism.

Photography (and photojournalism) was always fun, but a good photograph wasn’t art, was it?

So, how is it that I come to call myself an artist?

It began sometime in the mid 90s when I attended a rubber stamp party. This was early enough in the industry that this particular home party based company actually offered foam mounted stamps. I bought a couple of stamp sets and promptly forgot about them. I mean, how much could one do with a couple of stamps? The stamps languished while I had children (three girls), started teaching high school (English and Theatre Arts), and generally put thoughts of “art” out of my head. I still dabbled in photography, winning awards at the county fair, and baking, which is an art unto itself.

In 2001 I rediscovered stamping, which led to a realization that the images were a beginning—not an ending to art. Over the next years I experimented with all kinds of media (except drawing—I still can’t draw!) I love to explore all kinds of expressive art. Each piece of art tells a story—and as a teacher, I find art a powerful medium for communication. Mixed media, rubber stamping, card-making, canvas work, jewelry crafting, photography, and a message all blend together to make me the accidental artist that I am.

Away from the studio, I am passionate about my Lord, my family, my greyhounds (and greyhound rescue), music, and teaching. Church is a central part of my life, and I enjoy tennis and walking and just BEING. God is good, and I am blessed.