Meet Rochelle W Stefanovic | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rochelle W Stefanovic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rochelle W, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m Rochelle W Stefanovic a female artist in South Florida. the question .of Risk or risk not? That is an interesting dilemma. Who or why would anyone become a professional artist? Surely its not a safe, secure, nor easy accomplishment. Art is one of the most difficult markets, and trying to achieve success as an artist in todays business world is extremely risky business. My parents appreciated art and music so it was always around me, I was extremely shy and I occupied much of my time painting I loved it, however I never considered to “become an artist”. I believe one is or is not. My true gift was to have the opportunity in my life time to share something I love so much to do. Art, in essence is the act to create. To express something original in reflection from ones personal perspective and experience. It is in fact exposing one’s inner self and should be a uniquely personal expression. Many artists struggle to part with their creations no matter what the price. I’ve been so fortunate to have personally sold over 5,000 original paintings through our gallery and have such a strong relationship with all of our collectors. In business usually the first consideration is to be financially profitable. Calculate time financial investment right?. With art there is another important element to consider. That is Demand, and here in lies the dilemma To have a successful enterprise you must have income. but original art isn’t a proven commodity, It is an unnecessary product whose value is extremely subjective and there is no true measure to its true value. until after its been sold and the market will show the value after a period of time. Many great artists were often visionaries who were before their time or brought to society new ways to express, as a matter of fact it is here that artists who later proved to be valued historically important to the art world of the future but struggled for acceptance in their own time. However one creates art for an entirely different reason, We opened our studio / gallery L’Atelier D’Art to the public in 1986 We personally financed it, and had enough for only one season, It was definitely a huge risk. It was my Husband and soul partner Milos Stefanovic a composer who encouraged me to proceed. His belief in me helped me to believe in myself. With him I felt as I could do anything. I started to really believe enough in my artwork when I saw its ability to communicate. and touch the audience.. I’ve been called obsessives compulsive because I paint days, nights, and holidays, I agree but I love it..” I would do it even if I never sold a single piece The most important advice I can share is to have tenacity “never give up”. Thank you for letting me share. your Artist R W Stefanovic

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As I grew up I was always inspired by my sister who studied art. I was her little shadow and admired her deep spiritual quality. We never competed against each other, and she was the artist. I became an international fashion modeL, and. moved to Europe. Being so far I felt free to paint and slowly I did more and more. when ever possible I visited the great museums. I painted and started to create larger pieces. One day a client brought me home and discovered my art I didn’t know is that her husband was an artist. She love my work and introduced me to a gallerist. Jumping forward I had my first art exhibition. That is the beginning of the rest of the story. My artwork is and will always be influenced by her. When I paint I love to play music quite loud dancing and moveing with the rhythm. I enjoy a variety of styles in my work and in the music . From “Dance of the Knights” by Prokofiev” to King Crimson. The music helps me to enter a different level. I might find myself painting in the middle of the night or wearing a long evening gown I designed from an antique fabric. The subject on my canvases often drifts or floats off the canvas without gravity exaggerating the size bigger. than reality. I create unrealistic points of perspective as M C Esher. I’m proud that I have been recognized publicly as a professional artist from the court to testify and chosen to Judge on the annual Sun fest Art Compitition and made lectures at Florida Atlantic University.

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?
Most importantly is my son Justin Blake Stefanovic he is and was so understanding and patient, every day after school he waited while we measured walls and met with clients. He never complained his mom had such a demanding career Helaine Weissman Goldblatt who taught me to paint and everything else, my big sister a great artist graduated Pratt Art Instate Masters Degree the top 1% in the US but left me too soon. Bonnie & Mark Poffenbarger best younger sister and Brother in-law who makes me feel like I’m magical. still today. When someone looks up to you it makes you feel like you don’t want to let them down so you try even harder and raise the bar. Zdravco Mesaric a brilliant Architect in West Palm Beach who shared my success and cheered me on every day . Z. Architect Julie Queler I’m honored and blessed to include Ms. Queler a fine human being as my sponsor and collector a true philanthropist. Peter Nine from Myrtle Beach S Carolina. Artist specializing in Glass musician song writer, and art dealer. /

Website: www.artrws.com