Meet Nathaniel Stepney | Artist/Muralist/Author

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

Hi Nathaniel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
1. Self-expression and identity
Art allows me to explore and express ideas, emotions, and perspectives that may not fit into words. For many artists, creating is an essential way of understanding themselves and their place in the world.

2. It’s also a desire to connect with others. Art is a form of communication that can move people across cultures and generations. I create with the hope of sparking reflection, dialogue, or shared emotional experiences.

3. My passion for creativity
The act of painting, sculpting, or writing—can be deeply fulfilling, purposeful and the feeling of being alive as I challenge myself in pursuit of excellence.

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 a teen I was awarded a Congressional Merit Award, and most recently was named Best Emerging Artist at the 4 Bridges Arts Festival, which happens to be one of the top 50 Art Festivals in the country.
My work explores identity, resilience, and self-expression through a figurative lens.
The monochromatic tones create timeless emotional depth, while splashes of color provide moments of vibrancy. Each piece reflects both personal and collective narratives rooted in culture and history, while remaining universal in its themes. I invite viewers to engage with the contrasts of light and shadow, both literally and metaphorically.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d first like to grab some breakfast at Thumbs Up in Edgewood, yes!!! Smoked wings waffles and a side of grits. Not to mention that coffee and orange juice, it’s gonna be a long day so stack up on calories. We’d then make our way to the High Museum, this would be the soak it all in tour, enjoying it moment and each piece, examining, exploring, sensing and feeling the images or expressions. Afterwards we’d take a break and do some walking downtown, and then maybe hop on some scooters and go to the park, a balance with nature is important, walking barefoot, grounding with the earth for a physical and mental reset. Dinner reservations at Negril Caribbean and Jamaican Cuisine. If we are able to move afterwards, we’re heading to the Fox Theater for a show. If not it’s gonna be some espressos and dessert looking over the skyline. Not to mention the Botanical Garden, amazing!!!

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?
Yes, I’d love to give a shout out to
Mr. Gilbert & Mrs. Winfrey Young,,they’re an amazing couple who have loved, supported and mentored me through the years. Not only me but other artist, who needed a boost or an honest dose of critic, which doesn’t taste good at first, but you’ll learn to love it. I’d also like to also give a shoutout to my High School Art Teacher George Schneider, he introduced me to acrylics and saw my abilities when I couldn’t. ❤️

Website: https://Nathanielstepney.art

Instagram: nat.stepney

Facebook: Nathan Stepney

Image Credits
Credits to muses: Manny, Yupie, Dee, and Renee!!