ABOUT THE ARTIST
Biography
Nancy Stentz’s abstract works bridge her background in graphic and letterform design with contemporary practice. After two decades in Seattle as a designer and educator—teaching at the Art Institute of Seattle and Cornish College of the Arts—she shifted in 2002 to a studio practice rooted in rhythm, balance, and improvisation.
Her first exhibition was at Fetherston Gallery in Seattle, and her work—incorporating mixed media, digital layering, and printmaking—has been widely shown throughout the Northwest. Stentz lives on Whidbey Island with her husband, David, where they built a sculptural home with a metalworking shop and studio, reflecting the spirit of experimentation and refinement that informs her practice.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST
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In my previous profession as a letterform designer I worked exclusively with black ink to create camera ready artwork. My visual literacy and balance was also honed in this field. Black has continued to play a role in my pallet.
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I tend to find myself in a quiet studio 9 times out of 10.
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Matt medium is a supply I use constantly with my collage work. I also have a wax on hand to finish off the surface of each piece (Johnson’s paste wax is no longer available so I’m using bowling alley wax at the moment).
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To experience something completely foreign to how I work, I would have to choose a realist like Rembrandt
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A bit of wine doesn’t hurt and has been known to help get the creative juices flowing.
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Amazing? Let’s just say I have many happy accidents that present as gifts of opportunity.
MORE FROM THE ARTIST
IN SITU
