Design + Dwell

Archetype Series ~ by Stephanie Vaughan

Medium: Mixed

I create textured expressions using wooden boards, tar, modeling paste, paper maps, acrylics and polymer plastic. I coat the boards with tar or modeling paste and allow it to dry for several days or weeks then paint or leave white. Once this process is dry I burn the shapes into the medium then coat them with a liquid plastic. I use plywood, MDF board or pre-made boards.

I have visions of the many archetypes that make up me and my psyche. I dream of striking a common chord with other women who instantly know what they are looking at because they, too, have walked through the many mirrored halls of their souls only to see a stranger around every corner. My life is a never ending always expanding universe of discovery and I try to convey this in my art.

I usually have an idea of who or what I am trying to express before I begin; I draw them in my sketch book without erasing, using a mechanical pencil that belonged to my Father. These sketches will one day be a part of the work.

Many of the styles I work with are experimental, as I am a self-taught student of the world. Through these series of works I hope to solve the questions that began the vision.

The Yogi	The Sad Damsel	The Rebel
The Teacher	The Traveler 1-sold	African Kiss
Word	Travel Speak	Damsel Blue
African Goddess	The Sorority Sister	The Creator
Damsel Red	The Nun

Wire Glass Acrylic Mirror ~ by Stephanie Vaughan

Medium: Mixed

I have always been drawn to glass. I first began using left over pieces of stained glass, wrapping them with wire and connecting to random antique odds and ends I would find in antique shops to create interesting hanging sculptures for the sun to play with in the window. This wasn’t enough. I wanted to paint, but I didn’t feel I was talented enough to just paint. My love of glass and the effects light can have on a texture gave me the idea of “hiding” my painting skills with the glass. Then the wire comes in to create an even more complex understanding of what is going on with the colors and lines behind the glass.

What I have come to realize is by attaching the glass on top of my painting I am not hiding it at all, rather it is creating a spectacular light show that highlights the colors and adds another dimension of chaos or clarity to whatever I am trying to express. When these pieces are lit properly the animated effect is at its fullest.