Stephanie Christopher was beginning to lose hope in her efforts to find her unique creative voice when she developed orb art. Compressing recycled paper into tiny spheres, she discovered that when combined in the magnitude of thousands, the orbs could be used as a medium themselves, adding bold texture and vibrancy to any composition. In the years since, Christopher has continued to refine her technique and build her oeuvre using orbs. Focusing mostly on portraiture, she gravitates towards a style that resonates with the personality of her subjects, often seeking to capture the stillness of adulthood against the energy of childhood.
A lifelong artist, Christopher began her career in makeup on the west coast, where she grew up. After a decade of this work, she moved on to professional face painting, finding greater creative freedom and the space to develop a range of techniques and styles. Following a relocation to Massachusetts, she decided to enroll in a local community college to study fine arts. It was there that she challenged herself to go beyond her comfort zone and create something entirely new.
Orbs have come to dominate Christopher’s work, and have found their way into the art of others, too. Through several collaborations with artist and friend Jamaal Eversley, Christopher has worked to add a delightful textural dimension to his abstract series revolving around the character Spencer Q. Ward, a “nerd” in love with his best friend, Elvina Adams. These works will be included in Eversley’s Real F.R.I.E.N.D.S exhibition hosted by Beacon Gallery, a show that strives to demonstrate that a successful collaborative process strengthens communal bonds and generates dynamic creativity.
Outside of Real F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Christopher has been working on an in-home art program, “Orb n’ Sip,” to encourage others to engage their creativity during these difficult times. To see more of Christopher’s work, follow her on Instagram @stephaniecheriartistry and visit Beacon Gallery, open Sundays and by appointment.
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