Meet Stephanie Forbes | Artist and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to taking risks, I believe there is simply no other way to move through this life, especially as an Artist. I approach risks with a single plan- Plan A, where Plan B does not exist. Of course, with a conscious respect to being mindful and responsible, I don’t like the ease of what having a “Plan B” puts on my resistance to a risk I take potentially failing. When you execute a risk with no other options than for this risk (i.e idea/ vision/ project/ business) to succeed then 10 times out of 10, that is exactly what it will do. I have had many risks come off as ‘failures’ to the outside eye, but to me, they become passion projects with limbs of learning, experience and growth, that I would not have obtained otherwise, and where my next risk will grow larger in its capacity to succeed.

I feel that I have grown in a more rapid and forceful way by taking risks. It is why I am able to internally say ‘yes’ to almost every idea I have; Because I know taking risks, in honor of visions or hopes I have for my future and the audience of my work, is crucial for me to reach my full potential as an artist and human.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on sculptural work and installation pieces. My work is conceptually driven as I create chapters in response to certain personal experiences within my own life, making them tangible for others and speaking on the human experience and our connection to The Divine. I employ a lot of natural elements in my work to serve as metaphors for our own mortal familiarity. My chosen medium, the more recent years, has been the oyster. It serves as a metaphor for the protective layers we develop in response to life’s challenges. Just as an oyster coats an irritant with layers of nacre to form a pearl, so too do individuals fortify themselves against the abrasions of a traumatic past.

I am currently working on a body of work entitiled, ‘The Things That Keep Me Warm/Safe,’ which is set to open with an exhibition in Augusta, Georgia in early March. This work will be on view at the Child Enrichment facility, a child advocacy center who’s mission is to provide and coordinate comprehensive intervention, stabilization, advocacy, and prevention in the best interests of abandoned, abused, neglected, sexually abused, and sex-trafficked children. Their corporate wing has be outlined into a gallery format and will host bi-annual artist showcases featuring artists who have overcome child abuse and/ or neglect.

To me, being an artist has got to be the most graciously painful and rewarding torch to carry. My mom and dad are both working artists and there was never a time that I wasn’t supported on this path but I do remember a time where my mom told me I had chosen a really hard way of living. She wasn’t wrong. I honestly could have been anything other than this, technically. But ignoring your life’s purpose will only bring you greater pain and suffering. I am proud of myself for understanding this and persevering when times have gotten tough, or when I questioned if I was good enough. My greatest blessing has been continuously learning the lesson of how important it is to fully trust your intuition and purpose. This has come by a lot of mistakes and missteps, all inevitably fruitful and vital to my growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My time spent living in Atlanta really grew my fondness of local art galleries. Prior to living there, when I was in my late teens and early 20s I only ever really went to museums to view art. ABV Gallery was the first gallery I went to in Atlanta where I learned of the artist (and owner) Greg Mike and fell in love with his work and mission. So of course would take a best friend through the local gallery scene- including ABV, and MINT. I would also swing through the High museum and MODA, and likely SCAD FASH. For eating and drinking pleasure I would trek to The Works in the Upper Westside, and probably grab a pint at Dr. Scofflaw afterward. If we are going fancy, then I would likely look into reservations at the Garden Room. Downtown Marietta is always a good time, a definitely a day worth of exploring to be had with Hamp and Harry’s hosting my favorite brunch to date.

I reside in Savannah, now, with still frequent trips to Atlanta lately for work. I am quite fond of both places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could list countless people and things that have helped me get to where I am, a place of readiness for even more, but one main one sticks out to me right now.

Bert Dean, of Clarion Company in Augusta Georgia. Bert showed me how to write my first press release years ago and helped me organize yearly events and exhibitions that I had curated and conceptualized. This man helped me get interviews with local papers, radio stations and news stations which ultimately helped me gain regional attention and set me on a blazing path. His guidance, friendship and support has kept me going when I have wanted to quit or when things have gotten hard. Bert passed away in December of 2023. I will think of him in every successful moment of my life.

Website: https://www.sunshineforbes.com

Instagram: @sforbes.art

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sforbesart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieforbesart

Image Credits
All images were taken by the artist, Stephanie Forbes