There’s something so deeply intimate and inspiring about physically creating art. Whenever I find myself stressed after a long day, I sit down and doodle or paint. Stephanie Park, the artist and crafting mastermind behind The Haunted Page Studio (who can be contacted at Thehauntedpagestudio@gmail.com for commissions) very much understands that sentiment. This reader-turned-artist loves putting pen to paper, whether it’s for a book she loves or just as a little treat for her son. We recently had a chance to have a chat about her art, and the passion she exudes is truly admirable.
Nikki: Thank you so much for chatting with me, Stephanie, and for capturing Lucresse so beautifully! I can’t wait to learn more about your story. When did you start drawing?
Stephanie: My mom actually got me started. She was a stunning artist as well. She was a lot like me, she could look at anything and draw it. I like to get my hands into everything. Seriously, if there is a craft, I probably do it.
That’s incredible, I love crafting myself, and there’s something so deeply special about getting such a natural gift from your mother. What genres do you typically draw in?
I actually draw in a lot of genres. I have two very distinct sides of my personality, a My Little Pony-like sweet side and a dark, bad girl side, so I like to mix it up. I do draw a lot of skeletons, I like the challenge of the human anatomy. I love to read romance of all kinds.
I absolutely love that you have a dark streak… I’m a sucker for a good skeleton piece. When did you first start drawing?
I have always loved to draw and create. I have been filling up sketch books since I was a child. Nowadays, I draw, paint, and craft. I have recently opened a business called The Haunted Page Studio selling illustrated book page art.
It’s so cool that you always had a passion for art. Did you think you’d be an artist when you grew up?
I wanted to be an artist initially and actually got accepted into an art school in France. Then my mom passed away when I was 16, so my plans changed.
Oh gosh, I’m so sad to hear that and so sorry for your loss, but what an absolute legacy you’re carrying on in sharing her love of art and your talent with the world. I’m sure your mom would love to see the art you create today. Do you have a favorite piece?
I really love my illustrated book page art that I have been doing. I feel that saving a damaged book’s pages and creating art on it is very uplifting.
That’s beautiful, I’m sure she’d love that. I know I do! Do you sell your art at local events or anything similar?
I am going to be doing a few festivals this fall with my book page art, and I’m hoping to have people contact me for commission work. I would love to get into doing book cover art.
Illustrated book covers are so fun. Do you have a dream piece you’d like to bring to life one day?
A dragon fantasy book, definitely. I love dragons and medieval art.
I love a good dragon book. Is fantasy your go-to as a reader? What’s your favorite book?
Pride and Prejudice, hands down. I love some of the newer ones like Butcher and Blackbird, but Pride and Prejudice is my go-to.
I’m a sucker for the classics myself. I always love picking readers’ brains on required reading. How did you feel about that when you were in school?
I never felt that reading was “required.” I have always loved to read. I inherited this from my mother, who was a voracious reader. I actually love designing characters for books for authors because I think it is so fun to bring characters to life.
I so agree with you there! There’s something so magical about seeing a character “in person” for the first time. Going back to your art, is there a specific takeaway you want viewers to have when they see your pieces?
The takeaway I would want them to have is that art is subjective. What might work for you might not be someone else’s thing. I think that art is what sparks your creativity, what inspires you.
I love that sentiment — art really is about finding inspiration. Where do you find inspo? Do you have a favorite artist?
My favorite artist is Renoir. Particularly “Dance at Bougival.”
Ooh, a classics girly from literature to art. Let’s talk about your personal classics… What do you find yourself drawing most?
I like to draw everyday objects on Post-it notes for my son. He loves it.
That’s so sweet. Inspiring a new generation of artists! I want to dig deeper on where you find inspiration. Are you a morning or night person?
I am a nighttime person, definitely.
Me too! Speaking of night, when you finally get to sleep… Socks on or off?
No to socks while sleeping. (Ew, feet sweat! Need I say more?) I do love a fan and music while sleeping.
My freezing cold feeties could never, though I respect the need for noise while you’re recharging your creative batteries. So when you’re not using those creative juices, where can we find you?
I like to read and spend time with my family.
I bet you find so much inspiration in your reads. When you sit down and put pen to paper, how do you finally know when a piece is done?
I have a horrible flaw where I never really feel that a piece is finished. I can always find something to change. I have to make myself let the piece go.
Ugh, I hear you there. I’m very much the same as a writer. I’ll nitpick every word! So, how do you choose the palette you’re going to work with for a piece?
It depends on the piece. If it is more peaceful, I like to stick to pastel colors. If I’m doing something darker, I use harder tracing lines and deep saturated colors.
I love that. And any advice for aspiring artists, Stephanie?
Keep practicing. You need to draw or create something every day to get better.
Beautifully said. Thanks so much for joining me and for sharing your lovely work with us!
The Haunted Page Studio does an excellent job of combining its resident artists’ love of literature and beauty. Want to get to know the artist? Follow Stephanie on Instagram!