Meet Stephanie Escoto | Artist & Office Manager

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

Hi Stephanie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
The beauty about life is that you never really know whether or not what you are doing is right or if it’s going to work out. There is no right or wrong way of doing something in art, or in any other creative avenues. What makes creating something so much fun is the not knowing if what you are attempting will work out. As the creator you have the freedom and privilege of taking risks and experimenting. I find that it can be so fulfilling to try something new and have it work out, but even more fulfilling when it doesn’t because most of the time it ends up inspiring me to make some adjustments and try it again. Many of my high-flow acrylic work were created from experimenting with water-paint ratio and tools to create unique patterns. If it hadn’t been for the happiness that painting brings me, for my openness to failing, and for my courage to take risks, I would have never made what is personally my favorite piece – Balance – or any of my other high flow acrylics.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I come from a humble background. My parents have had to work for every little thing they had and every little thing they could give us. I have worked since I was 13 years old to just get to school. Working hard is in my blood. Passion for who I am and what I do is in my blood. Life has taken me through some very rough patches in just 29 years of life; which for the record I would not exchange for any reason. These experiences, the good and the bad, have helped me become who I am today. I am not famous and I am not wealthy, but I wouldn’t want to be anybody else in this world. My art work, with every brush stroke and every detail reflects who I am, what I am, and where I will go.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely want to take them to the Fairchild botanical gardens for a mid morning adventure, then head Bayside strip at night to listen to live latin music and dance. I would take them to Wynwood and explore the different artwork around. I would take them to the Deering Estate by cutler bay where the river meets the ocean and you can kayak out into this historical area with beautiful scenery and wildlife in your surroundings. On a Friday night take them to Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery in homestead to do some axe throwing and experience some country line dancing. Treat them to brunch on Sunday in one of Downtown Dadeland’s popular restaurants La Vida Misma Restaurant & Bar and wander through the Market where you can find handcrafted jewelry, art, and unique clothing made by local artisans.

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?
There have been many people that have supported my creativity and passion throughout my life. I have been blessed with a tight familial support system. My mom, Nieves, would indulge my childhood participation in art club. She took me to my first art store to buy my first sketchbook. My dad, Eduardo, he is by far one of the most creative people I have ever known. A magnificent artist and artisan; he can bring out the beauty and potential in just about anything. All 5 of my siblings and my life partner, Carlos Gafas, are my biggest fans and my most honest critics. My creative partner, Diana Perez, has been by far the most impactful in my growth and courage to pursue my dream. She is a fellow creative, an amazing songwriter, musician, and author. She had never been afraid to provide me with constructive feedback or nudge me in the right direction. Always reminding me to trust the creative process, trust in my instincts, and believe in my abilities.

I’d also like to take a moment to recognize a couple of works that really impacted my creative journey and relationship with my artwork. John Briggs’s Fire in the Crucible created a foundation for my understanding of creativity and how the creative process is linked with our personal journey. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho inspired me to follow my dream, listen to my inner self. and to be open to the world around me. Their work was instrumental to my artistic development.

Website: https://www.escotoartstudio.com/

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