In conversation: Steph Reynolds
Image: Tasmanian artist Steph Reynolds artworks are featured as part of RISE 2023. Photo: QVMAG.
Describing her work as "paper couture", Steph Reynolds pushes the boundaries of the paper medium, creating intricate wearable garments that reflect contemporary issues and social narratives.
As a featured artist of RISE 2023, Steph's exhibition is a journey of fashion through the ages. Her pieces integrate Tasmanian colours and topography with inspiration from great creative fashion designers and fashion houses over the last centuries.
"I have been struck, as I make my works, with the way clothing reflects female roles and social expectations, and ideals of beauty," she said.
Steph delights in transforming paper to look and behave like a textile - no easy task given the nature of the material. Her added challenge for this exhibition was to stay reasonably faithful to each period piece.
"Paper has properties that mean it behaves completely differently - unless one uses ancient Korean techniques," she said.
"There is enormous variety in its behaviour, texture, feel, drape and colour."
An artist from a young age, Steph recalls as a five-year-old 'endlessly, endlessly’ drawing. She progressed into the textile medium as she grew her practice. Yet a single phrase from a fellow artist was enough to transform Steph's approach to her artwork.
"I recall an artist telling me that she first saw paper as something to be converted into a textile. That single insight transformed my approach with this unwieldy, unpredictable and fascinating material," she said.
"That artist, Anzara Clark, has become a friend, trusted colleague, and source of a mutually enjoyable exchange of ideas."
Image: Tasmanian artist Steph Reynolds creates wearable art using paper. Photo: Richard Harmey.
Steph is open and receptive to her creative impulses and creates wherever she can. She notes that she makes art "mostly in my studio at home, but if travelling for work, it gets made on ships, planes, or apartments I'm staying in.
"I've been known to make it on river banks overlooking mountains and in the desert."
As she reflects on her artistic journey, Steph is frank in discussing the challenges as an early career artist.
These are "self-confidence, managing self-criticism and sensitivity to every flaw I see in my work," she cited. "A lack of know-how on how to be visible so I can continue my work. I also had no idea how to apply for grants to make my work of commercial value.
"Every artist needs an income if they don’t want to be reliant on a 'normal' job."
Yet, her advice to other artists starting their own path is simple: "Just keep going".
Steph's career saw a creative breakthrough in 2022 that propelled her practice forward.
"I was asked to create a fundraiser fashion show early in 2022," she said. "At the same time, I took the plunge and applied for and won an emerging artist opportunity at Devonport Gallery.
"I had no choice but to make a breakthrough - or fail. Failure never really seemed like an option."
Image: Tasmanian artist Steph Reynolds. Photo: Richard Harmey.
As a featured artist of RISE 2023, Steph's work is now recognised as among Tasmania's most collectible and significant from an emerging artist.
"Being invited to participate feels like an enormous honour for me," Steph said.
"My art form is comparatively unusual, so I am delighted to have an opportunity to display it. I hope it can lead to other opportunities to express my art in different ways.
"I hope it will leave people with a sense of amazement about what is possible with paper."