Stephanie Whittaker [most known as artist S. Whittaker] is the artist to watch. She was introduced to art during her formative years during elementary school but her passion did not come until she reached high school where she began painting and drawing story lines of images of some of our most influential celebrities. As most teenagers, S.Whittaker went off to Visual School of Arts College to pursue a career in art but her light was suddenly dimmed once she was realized she could no longer attend due to the increase of tuition cost and not having enough funds nor a family member who was able to finance her college education. However, Whittaker faith remained constant and after much self teaching [on her own] her light was brightened when she was introduced to a woman name Robin of Reign Entertainment Co. who later signed the 24 year old visual artist.
Back in May of this year, Whittaker debut her 3D art exhibition to audiences overlooking the rooftop of the Empire State Building where she left an everlasting impression. Her paintings was best described as brilliant, one of great talent, and she was deemed as excellent visionary story teller. In the most unique way S. Whittaker fuses oil & acrylic based portraits onto wooden canvases using some of the most influential music artists of our time including Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, Run DMC, Michael Jackson, Beastie Boys, Marvin Gaye, Biggie Smalls and many more.
[nggallery id=139]Take a read at our exclusive interview below:
On The Essence Of Painting:
When I was 3 years old I started to draw. I moved to the states from Panama when I was six years old. Throughout my time in elementary school up through high school I was trying different mediums in art. During high school that’s when I started to tap into paintings and from that point on- I loved it. I went on to attend the School Of Visual Arts College but I was unable to finish because I couldn’t afford it. Therefore, I started conducting my own research. I made visits to Barnes & Nobles and purchased a few art books and I used that [along with] you tube to enhance my skills and teach my self. I taught myself ALOT of things. For me this was my degree from “self taught” university.
I later on met Robin [manager] who had an extraordinary vision. At first I was like “how is all of this going to come about” but she just really put alot of things into perspective for me and on how I would pursue a career in art and take it to a whole new level.
On Her Advice To College Kids Who Struggle With Paying Tuition Costs While Trying To Pursuing Their Dream:
I would say to NEVER EVER stop. There are many challenges that we [as people] come across in Life, and we MUST keep our eyes on the prize. There is always a way! One important key factors that I learned earlier on in my career that I still apply today is to LISTEN. I had to learn to listen and listen to the right criticism from people who had my best interest at heart. Even if you don’t have that – there are many resources out there, the internet, the book stores, the library, etc that you can obtain information and work on your skills oppose to sitting in a classroom. Just Don’t Stop!
On Her Canvas Paintings and Drawings of Celebrities As An Inspiration:
I love music. Music plays a big part in the portraits that I choose to do. For instance, The Marin Gaye pieces. I would listen to Marvin Gaye every day each week and it was something that I would feel from his words and rhythm in his music that would inspire some type of an emotion in me as an artist. I can’t just put myself in paintings. I have to feel some kind of way about the artist – their words, their soul and their storyline that they pour into their songs.
On Her Favorite Painter:
One of my favorite painters is Frida Khalo. She’s just AMAZING . She’s able to pour out emotions and pain onto a canvas where the person who views it [feels it]. I’m so humble because I’m still learning and get to a higher level constantly and that is one thing that is so hard for many artists to grasp and {Frieda] knows how to do that, and therefore she’s my top favorite.
Let’s talk about the Biggie painting:
I live in Brooklyn, and when I was in high school he was the top hip hop rapper from my neighborhood. He was so inspirational and influential growing up musically – although I was not allowed to listen to his music in my household. I just wanted to layout where he came from. Every artist has a place and time where they started off from. And that’s where started from. He started from the block. He then got into fame, teamed up with Sean “Diddy ” Combs” and he had to humble himself [at one point] and cut out the street lyrics. It was a whole new step of what he became. So you see him the painting with the huge hat, wearing the fur coat. That is to show how far he came from the block. Now it also tells the story of Biggie gaining the fame. You see four butterflies on there. That’s the level of Biggie being able to fly in the industry. And the last butterfly with the red on it, it signifies blood and the violent death that happened to Biggie.
On What She Likes To Do For Fun:
I like a little bit of everything. I enjoy going to the movies, have a few drinks [sometimes]. I love to scope out the city views and take long nice walks in various areas because it really opens my mind among other things. But my main thing is listening to music. I love listening to music; different types of music. I can tap into the Marvin Gaye, Etta James, Do-op, Salsa, Marenge [cause I’m from Panama] so its very diverse for me. It’s a form of meditation and I’m good.
On Her Relationship Status:
Right now I’m focused on my career and I really don’t have time to put myself into anything else. I’m married to art std the moment.
On Upcoming Projects:
I am currently working on new pieces and were re currently preparing for another show.
You can follow up S. Whittaker on her socials media outlets @swhittakerrec. You can also view her paintings and read her full background bio here.
Bonus: Here’s a recent painting of S. Whittaker of rapper Wale. #CertifiedPLUM
