MEET STEPH BOUTARI

Kitchener-Waterloo-based artist Stephanie Boutari uses her background in architectural design to create pieces that live at the centre of the Venn diagram of art, architecture and design. Get to know this big, bright and bold artist below.

Steph Boutari, bringing walls to life

How would you describe your art?

Colourful, bold, geometric, and usually abstract or semi-abstract. I love working with geometric shapes and colour gradients to create fun visual effects that play with the viewer’s perception of surface and depth.

Talk to us about your creative process.

I usually start by sketching ideas using markers, pencils or paint. Then I refine them digitally on my iPad for murals especially, I often digitally draw directly onto a photo of the wall. I mostly use spray paint, wall paint or a combination of the two for painting large murals. Sometimes I also use acrylics and acrylic markers for smaller details or line work.

What is inspiring you right now?

Recently I’ve been drawn to combining and contrasting my usual hard-edged architectural and digital shapes with organic forms and textures, so I’ve been really inspired by nature and fascinated with the different patterns and shapes I’ve been discovering, for example in plants, landscapes and other kinds of natural materials.

What is bringing you joy right now

Spending more time outdoors, going on walks, and actually bird-watching. I’ve also been taking more time to do experimental work and this really helps me keep art as this joyful practice and not just work or a source of income.

Can you talk to us about your next project?

I can’t yet talk about my upcoming murals but lately I’ve been really obsessed with bringing my art into fashion and I’m actually hoping to start a collection this year! I’ve played around with painting directly on apparel and I’m currently exploring having my designs printed directly on clothing.

What are your go-to shoes?

Sneakers for sure! I have a pair of black Nike runners which I always wear, white Vans slip-ons, and of course my favourite colourful Vans sk8-hi sneakers which I have customized my own artwork.

Keep up with Steph here!