Inside Stephanie’s Journey from Hospital Rooms to Painting Larger-than-Life Oil Paintings

Meet Stephanie, a self-taught who went from being a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to becoming a full-time artist. She talks about how she found her love for art in college, the key moments that made her choose painting over nursing, and how the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard inspires her work. Stephanie also shares her dedication to The Leo Project, a charity started by her daughter, and how her art helps support this cause. Let us explore her creative process and discover the magic behind her vibrant paintings!

Stephanie is a self-taught artist with a diverse educational background, holding degrees in Psychology, Nursing, Maternal Child Health, and certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has explored various mediums throughout her artistic journey, including watercolor, mixed media, etched metal, and sculptural angels made from found objects. However, her greatest passion lies with oil paints. Numerous galleries on Martha’s Vineyard have represented her work. She draws inspiration from the island’s natural beauty and vibrant artistic community. Her paintings reflect objects more significant than life, capturing how she perceives the world and its inhabitants.

She values intimacy and strives to uncover the layers beneath the surface, inviting viewers to delve deeper into her art and contemplate life’s beauty. She aims to provide a moment of rest, an offering to enter an artistic mandala. The brilliance of gold leaf has been a signature element in her work for decades, adding a touch of royalty to her portraits, poppies, and clusters of grapes. Her subject matter is ever-evolving and diverse, often juxtaposing different styles side by side in exhibitions. In 2023, she was accepted into a month-long artist residency at the Chateau Orquevaux in France, an experience that further enriched her artistic perspective. One of her most profound artistic experiences was painting her first portrait—a small, beautiful baby she had photographed in Kenya. This encounter epitomized her approach to art: a fusion of vulnerability, curiosity, and admiration infused with the essence of the divine feminine. Each piece serves as an invitation to explore the intricate layers of emotion and meaning, forging connections with others on a profound level. Through her art, she hopes to offer viewers a glimpse into her unique perspective and inspire them to find reflections of their own experiences within her work.

1. Stephanie, your transition from a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to a full-time artist is remarkable. Can you share the moment or experience that prompted this significant shift in your career path?

My journey into art began unexpectedly during my final semester in college, where I was introduced to art for the first time. This newfound passion ignited a spark, leading me to explore various mediums, primarily focusing on watercolor. Despite my 20-year career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, the allure of art proved too strong to ignore. Taking a year-long sabbatical to immerse myself fully in art was pivotal. It forced me to confront a crucial question: Who did I want to share my future with — colleagues in medicine or fellow artists? The answer clarified, steering me towards embracing a new chapter as a full-time artist.

Witnessing the joy on the faces of adults and children experiencing art for the first time fills me with a sense of purpose. This profound connection fills my soul and drives my artistic endeavors.

Stephanie Danforth

2. Your dedication to donating all profits from your art to The Leo Project is genuinely inspiring. Could you tell us more about the organization, the story behind its founding by your daughter, and how other artists can join it?

In 2020, my oldest daughter founded The Leo Project in honor of her best friend, who passed away following a lung transplant. Jess solemnly promised to do something extraordinary in her honor at Caitlin’s funeral. This commitment came at a challenging time, as Jess herself was battling breast cancer. Despite her struggles, she remained determined to create positive change.

Headquartered in Nanyuki, Kenya, The Leo Project is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization providing equitable education and healthcare access. In a world where birthplace, socioeconomic status, and gender dictate a person’s ability to attend school or seek medical care, The Leo Project believes everyone should have the right to access educational and health services.  The organization pilots, implements, and sustains programs to unite, empower, and – most importantly – drive social change. 

Their most recent initiative, The Caitlin O’Hara Community Health Clinic, opened in August 2023. It has been delivering equitable, sustainable, accessible health services through holistic outpatient care and outreach programs to a catchment area of 500,000 people. The clinic provides services for primary health, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health, with a specific focus on maternal and child health. To find out more about the Leo Project, you can visit www.theleoproject.org.

3. The concept of “paying it forward” seems deeply ingrained in your personal and creative philosophy. How does your art enable you to embody this principle, and what impact do you hope to have through your creative endeavors?

I view life as a collection of chapters, each influencing the next. My experience in pediatrics dramatically impacts my life as an artist. When my art sales support a medical clinic at the Leo Project in Kenya, serving mothers and children, it feels like completing a circle. Witnessing the joy on the faces of adults and children experiencing art for the first time fills me with a sense of purpose. This profound connection fills my soul and drives my artistic endeavors.

4. Living on Martha’s Vineyard must offer a unique environment for art inspiration. How does Chilmark’s natural beauty and community influence your creative process and the themes you explore in your art?

Living on Martha’s Vineyard indeed offers a unique environment for artistic inspiration. The island’s natural beauty is undoubtedly a source of inspiration, but the vibrant and diverse community of creative artists fuels my creativity. The artistic collaboration, exchanges, and celebrations of creativity that permeate the island provide an endless wellspring of inspiration. Martha’s Vineyard fosters a rich tapestry of creative expression, from exploring galleries and studios across the island to attending cultural events championing the arts. Informal gatherings for sharing poetry and writing further contribute to this creative atmosphere. In this supportive community, ideas flow freely, sparking new perspectives and pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration. The camaraderie, feminine energy, spiritual connections, and shared passion for creativity on the island enrich and enliven my creative process, shaping the themes I explore in my art and infusing my work with a sense of vitality and depth.

I view life as a collection of chapters, each influencing the next.

Stephanie Danforth

5. What is one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring artists?

One crucial advice for aspiring artists is to immerse themselves in a community of fellow creatives. Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential; it opens doors to new experiences that can significantly enhance your work. Surrounding yourself with other creative individuals provides valuable support and a wellspring of inspiration. Being exposed to different perspectives and seeing the work of others can ignite new ideas and fuel your artistic growth.

Stephanie’s shift from healthcare to full-time art shows the power of following your passion. She connects her art with a greater purpose by donating all her profits to The Leo Project. Stephanie’s story teaches us the importance of following our passions, valuing community, and understanding how art can make a real difference. To learn more about Stephanie, click the links below to visit her profile.