What if we could learn from being still? What if we pay attention to the mundane and see the beauty in the simple moments of life? Stephanie Spay is deeply Inspired by the mundane moments of everyday life. Her paintings give the artist herself and the viewer an opportunity to be present. Focusing on small yet meaningful moments allows us to appreciate life in a world that moves fast. Stephanie's paintings amplify these seemingly ordinary moments and tasks and make them the center of our gaze. Her piece Olefactory Transport depicts a figure seasoning soup with rosemary. This piece was significant to Stephanie because it was the start of her body of work, Stolen Moments from Home.

Stephanie is an Indianapolis oil painter whose substrates vary from linen, aluminum, and wood panels. Stephanie has been painting since she was four years old. Her passion for art comes from a place of joy and people encountering her work. Painting is a way she explores life, the beauty, as well as the pain and hurt.

This collection of work elevates the human experience to allow the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the realities of these paintings. Often compelled by how light is used in paintings, Stephanie takes inspiration from artists such as Dutch and Johannes Vermeer’s paintings of figures in interior spaces. Stephanie's process starts with being still. In the process of quitting the “chatter of to-do lists, what-ifs, shoulds, and reminders, I would find that incredibly beautiful moments are happening right before my eyes.” Allowing her senses to be engaged in the present moment is what inspires her to paint her compelling and stunning collections. Whether it be paused moments from cooking dinner or watching her son enjoy a sandwich while her dog looks up with a hopeful gaze, her works compel us to appreciate life and all the beautiful small moments that make up our days.

She hopes that as people interact with her work, they too experience moments of stillness and appreciation for the small moments in life.

Stolen Moments from Home is on display throughout March in the Gallery Annex at the Harrison Center. This body of work consists of oil paintings depicting glimpses of life around the home. Come check out these breathtaking paintings or visit the online gallery.