Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Dillon.
Hi Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Stephanie Dillon is a Twin Cities-based many-medium artist who drives reinvention as regeneration. By reviving discarded items and infusing them with new beauty, she challenges conventional norms and creates impactful art. Her approach is a fusion of creativity, sustainability, and thought-provoking techniques. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, she set about examining her participation in damaging systems and worked to figure out how to move differently: “Our lives are finite, and we need to think about what we create, how we craft our lives.” Her art challenges consumptive ideas that permeate our society. “It’s going to take all of us to save the planet,” she says.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m an artist because my life hasn’t been a smooth road; creativity is a way to keep me in touch with hope and joy. When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you start to imagine a second life. Art has allowed me to lead a more authentic second life. I no longer define my life by peaks and valleys, highs and lows; I’m truly thankful to wake up every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of Stephanie Dillon Art / The Citizen-T Project. What can you tell our readers, who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
What sets us apart, both creatively and professionally, is our imperfection. We embrace the faults in our systems and navigate how to create responsibly. Whenever creating a new work, I use recycled canvases or old frames/furniture to prevent them from entering the landfill. The same goes for the Citizen-T Project; we are an artist-led zero-waste organization dedicated to reusing T-shirts. We partner with local merchandisers and vintage retailers to upcycle their deadstock for musicians, community organizations, political campaigns, and local brands. Art is a beautiful struggle.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was very sensitive and deep in thought. Looking back, this is probably why I chose to major in philosophy. I was always thinking profoundly and was known to be a good listener. Some would probably call me “shy,” but I had a lot of friends, so I wasn’t “lonely” just thinking deeply. I think I had a lot of friends, even though I wasn’t particularly outgoing because I was a good listener and judge of character. Good communication isn’t about what you say but what you hear. You learn more about a person’s character as you observe behavior and emotion than you do by their words. When I was younger, I read a lot of science fiction. It opened my mind to possibilities and encouraged me to think beyond the conventional and explore the unknown. The unique aesthetics of science fiction provide a rich visual vocabulary that I often draw from when creating art. I believe my art has become a version of my youth, celebrating the fusion of art and imagination. I loved reading when I was younger, and I still do. I’ve recently accepted a book deal – more info coming soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniedillon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniedillon_art?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-dillon-8581919
Image Credits
Photographer – (1-7)Moments By Marki, (8)The Honey Bear Collection Event pictured (7,8) – Fast Fashion Protest Location – (1-8) Shops at West End / Stephanie Dillon Art Studio (1651 park place blvd st.louis park mn) Models Pictured – (1,5)Stephanie Dillon, (7,8)Leyla Aden, (7)Sarah Khamis, (8)Haroon Rasheed, (8) Helen Hoang
