Meet Stacey Roberts | Professional Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, taking risks is a necessity. I have been an artist my entire life, but my professional art career began after I resigned from teaching almost 7 years ago. I was a full-time art educator with a Masters degree and earning a steady paycheck, but I was extremely unhappy and stressed out. Making the decision to leave was scary, but also very empowering. It taught me that it is so important to make decisions based more on health and happiness, rather than security and financial stability. Money is replaceable but time isn’t.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself to be a fairly “non-traditional” soft pastel painter. I have been an artist my whole life, but only really started exploring pastel about 7 years ago. My brother Michael had found some old , well loved pastels in his house and he gifted them to me so I decided to play around with them to see what I could do. My style slowly developed into what it is today, and it is still evolving and shifting as I continue to try new things. I am proud to be self-taught in my medium, and I love it when people approach me to tell me that they love my work. As for becoming a professional artist, I am fortunate to have wonderful artist friends that have helped me along the way, and have taught me some valuable lessons in the business of fine art. There are always challenges, and everyone has a unique opinion on what works and what doesn’t, but I feel like I have carved out a little space of my own. People recognize my work, and that makes me feel pretty awesome!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost, a show at Red Rocks would be a must! I have been to dozens of shows there and it’s always amazing: even in the pouring rain. Hiking here is also amazing so a day hike in Estes or summiting a 14er would also be on the agenda. I love being outdoors and my bff is always up for an adventure. The last time she was in town, we actually went to Colorado Springs and walked WOLVES at Garden of the Gods with Colorado Wolf Adventures. Check it out!! What a cool experience. Another place to venture off to would be Glenwood Hot Springs. Taking the Amtrak from Union Station in Denver is the way to go because it is so relaxing and the scenery is amazing. I also love sharing the art scene with anybody who will join me (and my best friend is always willing). The DAM is a spectacular museum, but I prefer checking out the galleries along Santa Fe, or wherever some of my own work is on display. Some of our favorite local restaurants that we like to share with friends are the Hungry Goat in Old Town Morrison, Fontana Sushi in Littleton, and Tap and Dough, also in Littleton. My husband is an avid homebrewer, so we always end up at a brewery or two when friends come to visit. There is so much to see and do here, but I feel like the most special part of Colorado is just being out in it, enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful scenery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my husband Dave, for believing in me and for letting me steal his home office space and turn it into an amazing art studio. And a big thank you to my brother Michael Morris, (who is also a super talented artist) for literally knocking down walls, hanging drywall, laying tiles, and keeping me motivated to continue making great art.

Website: www.breathingrockfineart.com

Instagram: instagram.com/stacey515/

Facebook: Breathing Rock Fine Art