In the world of contemporary art, self-taught artists often bring a unique and refreshing perspective to their craft. Stormie Steele is a great example of such an artist, whose journey through personal and spiritual growth has deeply intertwined with her creative expression. Her artwork and her approach to life share a common theme—embracing the beauty of the imperfect and learning from the transformative journey of existence.
Stormie’s art is not just a visual experience; it is a philosophical exploration into the depths of life’s challenges and the hidden riches they contain. She views life’s hurdles as catalysts for transformation, believing that the real reward lies in movement and progress. This philosophy is vividly expressed in her art series, Hidden Riches 2, where she uses a mix of canvas, acrylic, plaster, and flotrol to delve into abstract representations of life’s complex labyrinths.
Exploring the Artworks: StormDancer and Hidden Riches
Stormie Steele’s creative philosophy takes center stage in her works StormDancer and Hidden Riches. These pieces are more than visual compositions—they’re layered with reflections on life, its fluidity, and the moments that shape our paths.
StormDancer (30 x 40)
“Life is designed to awaken and sharpen our sense of self, clarifying purpose along the way. We learn to honor the sacredness of becoming through a rhythm of constants—teachable moments, fortunate and unfortunate.
StormDancer lives and moves without loss of self, finding sacred regard through it all.” ~Stormie Steele
StormDancer captures movement and resilience in a way that feels alive. The title itself suggests energy, adaptability, and grace. Using a layered technique with acrylics and textures, Stormie crafts an abstract dance of colors and forms. Shades of muted earth tones blend with brighter accents, creating a visual rhythm that draws the viewer in.
This piece speaks to life’s constant ebb and flow—its chaos, balance, and lessons. There’s a sense of wholeness in the abstract composition, as though every element finds its place within the movement. The “dance” is not about perfection but about remaining true to oneself amid life’s unpredictability. Stormie’s words about the sacredness of becoming echo in every stroke, reminding us that growth is a journey, not a destination.
Hidden Riches (40 x 60)
“Brevity, the current that swiftly crosses our path, reminding us…take nothing for granted. Life-bearing streams flowing in my midst.
Hidden Riches, that which appears insignificant is quite significant.” ~Stormie Steele
Hidden Riches takes on a more expansive canvas, both in size and concept. This work invites introspection, asking viewers to look beyond surface appearances. The abstract forms in this piece feel both solid and fluid, as if representing the paradox of life—how it can be fleeting yet profoundly impactful.
Stormie uses plaster and flotrol to create depth and texture, giving the work a tactile quality. The colors are muted yet rich, with streaks of gold and silver peeking through, as if hinting at treasures buried beneath life’s challenges. There’s a quiet elegance in this piece, a reminder that what we often overlook holds the greatest value.
The title, Hidden Riches, and Stormie’s reflections on it reinforce the idea that life’s most meaningful moments often arise from what seems insignificant. The interplay of light and shadow in the piece reflects this duality, drawing attention to the importance of presence and gratitude.
The Artist’s Voice
Through StormDancer and Hidden Riches, Stormie Steele reveals her deep engagement with life’s complexities. Her work isn’t about resolving the chaos but about finding beauty and purpose within it. She uses art as a way to process and communicate her journey, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on their own.
The use of mixed media—acrylic, plaster, flotrol—enhances the physicality of her work. Each layer seems to tell its own story, adding to the depth and meaning. Stormie’s pieces are as much about the process as the final product, echoing her belief that life itself is a series of transformations.
What stands out most is how accessible her work feels. While deeply personal, it also resonates on a universal level. Her words and paintings remind us to move with grace, honor life’s brevity, and find value in the small, seemingly insignificant moments.
Stormie Steele’s art invites you to pause and consider what lies beneath the surface. Whether through the rhythmic flow of StormDancer or the contemplative stillness of Hidden Riches, her work offers a gentle nudge to embrace the journey and discover the hidden riches within.
