Shelly Lewis Stanfield’s modern acrylic paintings combine her passion for bold colors and raw materials. Such inspiration is derived from her love affair with architecture, interior design and nature.
The path that brought Shelly to this point in her career is filled with beautiful things, places and people. As a self taught painter, Shelly’s experiences in the design field as well as day-to-day life lessons add to her process of creating.
“I have always felt that you can complete a space with one great piece of art.” Color, texture and shape are what drive Shelly’s abstract styled work. Acrylic is the medium of choice. Most of her work begins on wood canvas with either a color story or movement in mind. Layering and scraping with a scrap piece of sheet metal against wood surface gives a certain primitive quality. This technique brings rawness and down-to-earth element. “Knowing when the creation is complete that is the true gift. Having someone fall in love with your work, that is happiness.”
Shelly grew up in Oklahoma, spent time in Atlanta and Alaska, and has now returned “home” with her husband and two sons. Creative since childhood, Shelly did not devote her energy to her own art until later in life. “I look forward to a long career as a painter because this truly feels like what I was meant to do.”
The community clearly agrees with Shelly as she was recently commissioned to complete ten original paintings for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum for the 20th Anniversary Remembrance and Renovation events. Her art is available at MA Doran Gallery in Tulsa, Oklahoma and gfcontemporary in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Her work can be viewed on her website: www.shellylewisstanfield.com
1. What inspired you to become an artist?
In my prior life, I did some interior design work. I was always searching for the perfect piece of art to complete a space. So, now I just create that perfect piece of art!
2. Biggest beauty secret?
Always have a glass of ice water in hand.
3. Grooming extravagance?
I am not the extravagant type. I have always thought it is best to look good without looking like you have tried too hard…this gets harder to do the older I get!
4. Go-to perfume?
I love Kai perfume oil and body glow spray for special occasions. Otherwise, I don’t wear perfume.
5. Favorite shoe? Everyday bag? Evening bag?
Unique is key for me. My Bed/Stu boots for their handmade ruggedness. A worn cream leather clutch that gets better with age.
6. Favorite meal, dessert and snack?
Pasta anything!
7. Favorite movie?
Terms of Endearment CRY.EVERY.TIME.
8. My last purchase was?
Groceries.
9. When no one is home I…?
I eat Nutella out of the jar…
10. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Oklahoma City. It is the best place to raise my boys.
11. Favorite Destination?
Santa Fe, New Mexico when the Aspen trees are in their glory.
12. Where are you the happiest?
At home with my family.
13. What do you think the definition of relaxation is?
Drinking coffee on the front porch listening to the birds.
14. With whom do you like to travel or leisure?
With my 3 sons! (husband + 2 boys)
15. What is your greatest extravagance?
Eames lounge chair and ottoman.
16. If you could change something about yourself what would it be?
To become less judgmental of my own work.
17. On which occasion do you lie?
I don’t, because I’m afraid something bad will happen to me.
18. What is your greatest fear?
Public speaking.
19. Which person(s) do you most admire and despise?
I admire anyone who spends their life making this world a better place for my boys to grow up and raise a family.
20. What have you learned?
To steal my son, Heath’s, favorite quote by Frank Lloyd Wright, I have learned, “the longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.”
The fine art of Shelly Lewis Stanfield
The Charleston Academy
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