DREI FRAGEN with Stephanie Graham
Artist Stephanie Graham shares her artistic wisdom.
Each Wednesday I ask a different artist the same three questions.
This week’s artist is a talented photographer, podcaster and ‘Substacker’,
!
1. What first sparked your interest in creating art?
God brought me to art in an unexpected way. Honestly, it started in my Christian youth group when the Junior Leader showed me some photos she had taken at our high school. I needed an art credit to graduate, but I could barely draw a dot. So, I signed up for photography, not expecting much—but I ended up really connecting with it. That’s when my art journey began, which surprised me, especially since I had struggled with art classes in earlier grades.
2. What are your regrets?
I’m tall—5'11". One regret I have is not learning to play basketball when the varsity coach at my high school offered to teach me. The problem was, the shorts were really short, and I was super body-conscious at the time. The thought of running up and down the court in those tiny shorts was a HELL NO for me. Looking back, I should have just worn leggings and called it a day I feel if i would have told coach this or my mom thats what they would have said —but nobody was doing that back then. If I had taken him up on the offer, who knows? I could’ve been the next Michael Jordan!
3. What wisdom would you offer someone beginning their art career, or exploring art for the first time at any stage in life?
Do it scared. If someone invites you to do something and it scares you, do it anyway. You can even say, "This is great! I’m so nervous, but I’m grateful you considered me—so the answer is yes." Just see what happens. If it sucks, you fail, fall, or get tired—oh well. At least you tried, and that’s more than most people ever do. Don’t be like them.
And seriously, do you know how many people out there have no skill, no talent, and still move forward in life? Don’t let those suckers intimidate you. Fail upward—a lot of people do, so why not you? At least you're passionate and trying. Hell, that counts for a lot.
Also, pay attention to what people say you’re good at—at least try it. People see things in you that you don’t or that you’re scared to confront. Don’t turn it down, and don’t be shy. Be bold in everything—be scared and bold. Experiment. Nothing is permanent.
And listen, don’t do drugs. If someone tells you a secret, take that shit to the grave—then people will know they can trust you. Trust goes a long way.
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Amen! to so much of what you say, Stephanie. SLART, thanks for sharing this jewel with us. I have gotten so far on trust and being trustworthy. "Do it scared" is my new favorite phrase. YUP