Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie “TUPHLOVE” Brown.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell into a major depression after being diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2006 at nineteen years young. I had always been an artist since I was younger, so being creative has been organic for me.
To combat the depression, I needed to find an outlet so one day, in 2012, I decided to try my hand at painting and that’s when my love for art grew to another level. I’ve never studied art so everything I’ve learned so far has been self-taught and determination to grow and hopefully in this lifetime travel around the world as an artist.
I moved here to Nashville, TN from Fayetteville, NC to start over after being laid off from my previous position as a facilitator for support groups. I’m excited to see what I can gain and give in this literal new space (Nashville) which I find full of opportunities and connections.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe no journey is ever “smooth” because it definitely has its challenges. After being laid off in 2018, I went full-time as an artist hoping to “blow up” but life had other plans. I wasn’t making enough to pay my bills at the time and had to move to Clarksville, TN to live with family to get back on my feet. Moving forward, as I see it now, that was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work with acrylic paint and a few textures here and there. I love to represent the African diaspora by painting faces and accentuating our bold features (lips, cheekbones, nose, etc.). I include bold colors which spiritually represent the chakras. My work stands out because it evokes emotions and connections to another realm.
It’s different. I stayed away from attempting realistic portraits after realizing what I naturally create is uniquely me. My paintings are stories. Most of it comes from a deeper part of me that at times I didn’t know existed. I feel my ancestors communicating with me with each process until a piece is finished.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Also as a public speaker, I’m transparent and relatable. I don’t mind “taking it there” to explain a painting. We all experience the same emotions along the way and I’m not afraid to share those feelings that have helped me grow. I stopped comparing myself when I realized every artist has a story to share.
Contact Info:
- Email: tuphlove1@gmail.com
- Website: tuphlovestudio.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: @tuphlove
