Meet Stephanie Kapteyn | Artist

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

Hi Stephanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say the most important factor behind the success of my art is God. I’ll tell you why; I’ve always known that there is a ton of competition with millions of talented artists around the world, and the only way mine would stand out is if God was behind it. You see, art is about the feeling behind the piece, the emotion, I’ve noticed over the past ten plus years, as I’ve shared my journey as an artist; I have developed connections, I’ve been able to inspire through my ups and downs, and I’ve found that vulnerability has allowed others to also share their stories. I’ve noticed that it’s about art but it’s mostly about the connection with people on a deeper level. Quite recently I painted a flour bouquet for a mother in memory of her child that she lost through a miscarriage. At first I was nervous, but as I painted I knew I would somehow give peace and healing. I sent her a photo of the finished painting, she mentioned to me something was missing in the corner – a little gap, she loved the painting but thought it needed a little more blue. Then it came clear to me “forget me nots” little blue flowers. As I added them in, it made me emotional thinking about this woman’s loss but also knowing that God does not forgot about the lost. When it was finished and I gave her the painting, I knew it was hard for her but I was happy to somehow help with the healing. I have learned that my success as an artist in a world with a ton of competition can only be explained by my relationship with the Lord. It is real and I am so excited to see what he has in store next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of and excited about the direction my art business is currently going.

My heart took a turn when my mom had cancer a couple years back. I never knew I would become an Artist. At the time, it seemed like something I had to explain to people: “Don’t worry, I will also have a dependable job,” giving myself an out.

My mom told me the night after an art show to be honest, art was no longer on my mind. It took me almost a year to paint again. When I did, let’s just say it did not go my way. An artist’s expression is their heart on a canvas. So the dark side of my art made me realize that my heart was broken, along with my life. Meanwhile, my mom was fighting for her own. During this time you start playing back the memories you had, then you think to yourself:
​
“Is this the end?”
​
Watching the strongest woman in my life whittle away, loose all of her muscles, her hair, her hearing, her taste…her quality of life dwindling. You wonder,
​
“Why?”
​
“Why” is not mine to understand. If we understood all aspects of life, what would be the point of living? You know what I do understand? I have a God who does not sit by and watch my mom fade away. He does not want to take her to heaven for Himself. He does not do this to test us. Sin is what does this. This is my Testimony.

My story is much longer than this and so is my mom’s. Thankfully, she is now clear of Cancer.
​
I realized that even if my mom was not cured, God had given me a gift. I would paint for Him. My art would be a window of expression. When I paint a picture I ask God to direct my brush.
I paint because I know how delicate this life is. I paint because I have been given a gift from God. I paint because I want YOU to know there is more to life than pain. Don’t give up. There is always hope.

This story was the start of my inspiration as an artist. In 2022 I gained 21K new followers on Instagram in one month after one of my paintings went viral on Tiktok and Instagram. This lead me to shipping my prints worldwide 250 plus prints have been shipped from Canada to Estonia, Switzerland, Indonesia, Australia, the list goes on! As my followers began to grow I thought “what do I want to be known for” it was super clear that my heart wants to give!

It all started when I watched a video of a very excited little boy opening a gift he had been given from someone, the non profit organization that runs this is called Operation Christmas Child. When I was at the dollar store purchasing my box for Operation Christmas Child, I actually caught myself getting very emotional.
Holding back tears I realized how much I actually have. For most of these children this will be the only gift they will ever receive. I set a goal to make 10 boxes on my own! Then I told my followers if they would like to build a box I could do it for them, it quickly went from 10, to 20, to 100 boxes!!! I tell you it was a shock! Our family quickly created a store in our kitchen and went to building boxes! Since then, with the help of all of my new followers we have been able to make 400 boxes!

The reason I wanted to share this story is because I love art but most of all I love people. Given the huge following I currently have it was so clear how I was going to utilize it.

During the pandemic I quickly started noticing people were missing connection, my family friend asked if I would do an online art event for her birthday and she loved pineapples! Well enough said, my family set up our house in Hawaiian attire, dressed up and bam it began. I wasn’t sure how big it would be but as soon as the word went out so many started watching, it then lead to multiple LIVE paint nights. Even one where we were able to raise money for “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made,” this is for a woman who lost her child but instead of making it sad, she and her family wanted to make a difference in her community! We were able to raise $1000 that night doing a paint night!

Over the years I have been able to do many paint nights, in fact the first one I ever did was 80 girls! I have always loved teaching so it was very fun to do!

Recently I was able to do a paint night with 100 plus woman and all of the proceeds were donated to building wells in Zimbabwe through ERDO! That night we were able to raise $4,555. Having the chance to be able to give back has been unbelievable. As soon as I knew that was the direction I wanted to go in my business, it had continued to expand.

As my art is constantly changing, I’ve noticed that it is through the hard times of my life that the best art comes out of. I have continued to share my process and how I get through it with God’s help. It has opened up amazing opportunities, including being able to share my journey now and guess what! I now have 67 k followers on Instagram and am currently working on new content for my YouTube channel!

My success as an artist has been molded and shaped through the years. At first I was embarrassed to say I was an artist because of the attached negative connotations. Now I can say I am proud to be an artist. I am proud to share my story because my hard times can help inspire those around me, I am able to give. Giving heals me, it helps me not to look so much about my problems instead opens my eyes to how I can help others so much less fortunate. I hope that I am remembered as someone who loves deeply, gives frequently and loves the Lord with all there heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok let’s do this! If I was to take my friend in a week long trip to Edmonton, Alberta first of all I would apologize because (it’s not that fantastic) then I would hope they would come in the summer because winter here is brutal!

I would take them to an Edmonton Oilers game because even though I don’t watch a a lot of hockey Edmonton Oiler fans are the best and that experience would be epic!

For food I would obviously take them to Paninis Italian Cucina a good friend of mine Robert who makes fabulous authentic Italian food, great portions and a family style restaurant.

Then next day I might take my friend to another restaurant owned my Robert called “Robs Famous Friend Chicken” it’s famous for a reason nobody makes chicken like Robert

Desserts I would take them to Confections Cake co. In St.Albert years ago I use to make custom cakes with my friend Brittany she owns her own shop with her husband Jerratt! They gave the best treats and custom cakes!

Then I would drive them down to Banff and we would go on an awesome hike, maybe check out Abraham lake.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout-out to my mom and dad. They have supported me in being an artist from day one! I could not have been where I am without them! They are selfless and kind and give without thought of any return. Thank you to my sister who is always there to hype me up during the good and bad times! Thank you to my mentors who have encouraged me to keep going. Last but not least all of my amazing followers over the years thank you for the constant support!

Website: https://stephoninny2.wixsite.com/artbysk/about

Instagram: @Artbystephaniek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artwithpurpose?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artbystephaniekapteyn?si=UG8nnaeNhtxilwbC

Other: Confections cake co : https://www.confectionscakeco.com/

Robs famous fried chicken Instagram @robsfamous

Paninis Italian Cucina

Home

Image Credits
Mountain photos taken by Morgan Goodall

https://bio.site/likewisebrandstudio