Mindful Creative with Radim Malinic: A Journey of Transforming Public Spaces into Creative Expression with Stephanie Guattari

Episode Release Date: March 3, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Mindful Creative, host Radim Malinic engages in an insightful conversation with Stephanie Guattari, a multidisciplinary artist based in Waterloo, Ontario. Stephanie's work focuses on creating large-scale outdoor artworks for businesses and public spaces, seamlessly blending art and design. Her creative process is influenced by architecture, Pop art, pattern design, nature, street art, and immersive and interactive art. The discussion delves into Stephanie's transformative journey from architecture to mural art, her creative struggles, and her aspirations for the future.

Stephanie's Background and Early Creative Journey

Stephanie begins by sharing her multicultural upbringing in Bahrain, where she attended an English-speaking school as an expatriate. Her family's roots trace back to Egypt, and like many expatriates, the plan was always to pursue higher education abroad, with Canada being the most affordable option.

Radim (04:20): "You didn't grow up in Canada, you didn't always do mural work. So let's rewind it back. And yes, you were. The first encounter with creativity was. And how did your career grow?"

Stephanie recounts her childhood passion for art, describing how she was always the "art person" among her peers. High school was a time when her artistic talents received significant attention, shaping her identity.

Stephanie (04:20): "Art was always a really big part of my identity. I've always loved art. I loved to paint, I loved to draw since I was a child."

From Architecture to Public Art: The Turning Point

Choosing a seemingly secure path, Stephanie pursued architecture at the University of Toronto, later transferring to Waterloo for its more hands-on, studio-focused program. Despite her dedication, she felt a disconnect between her architectural studies and her true artistic passions.

Stephanie (07:00): "I started with the theme of color and color in architecture and the surfaces of architecture and the use of paint and how that can transform architecture. And in so doing all of that research, I discovered murals and public art and street art and I got really obsessed with it."

Her master's thesis became the catalyst for her shift towards murals, allowing her to reconnect with her artistic roots by exploring the interplay of color, architecture, and public spaces.

Embarking on the Mural Journey

Stephanie's foray into mural painting began almost serendipitously. Without a portfolio or prior experience, she approached a building owner with the idea of painting a mural, an initiative that unexpectedly opened doors to more opportunities.

Stephanie (09:45): "I reached out to him and I said, 'Hey, can I paint a mural in your building?' Luckily, he was really enthusiastic about the idea and he even covered my paint costs."

This initial project not only showcased her talent but also ignited a series of similar commissions, gradually building her reputation in the field.

Stephanie (12:34): "Every mural would just lead to another mural, which was really fortunate."

Developing a Signature Style Influenced by Architecture

Stephanie's background in architecture profoundly influences her mural style, characterized by geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and the creation of optical illusions that challenge viewers' perceptions.

Radim (22:10): "Your style is geometric, multicolored. How did your work develop?"

Stephanie (25:03): "The geometry started because I was trying to argue that paint is a material of architecture. I'm using paint to create a 3D effect on a 2D surface."

Her murals often integrate architectural elements, ensuring that each artwork harmonizes with its surroundings while making a bold artistic statement.

Creative Process and Client Collaboration

Stephanie outlines her collaborative approach with clients, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom coupled with a clear design brief. She values initial loose sketches and mood boards, refining concepts based on client feedback to ensure the final mural aligns with both her artistic vision and the client's brand or space requirements.

Stephanie (29:32): "I always start off by keeping things loose and sketchy. I don't want to get married to an idea that they'll hate."

She navigates varying degrees of client involvement, from complete creative freedom to more structured guidelines, always striving to enhance the artwork through collaborative input.

Overcoming Challenges: Health Issues and Career Transition

Stephanie candidly shares the personal challenges she faced while balancing her architecture job and burgeoning mural career. Intense stress led to severe health issues, including acid reflux and a ruptured appendix, which served as a turning point for her to prioritize her passion for art over a secure career in architecture.

Stephanie (11:50): "My stress levels started becoming so intense. That I developed really bad acid reflux. So I was just constantly having high acidity..."

This life-threatening experience underscored the necessity of following her true passion, ultimately leading her to fully commit to her mural career.

Time, Endurance, and the Flow State in Mural Work

Creating murals is both physically and mentally demanding. Stephanie discusses the extensive planning, time management, and enduring physical labor required to complete a mural, often taking up to two weeks for large projects.

Stephanie (35:23): "Always takes longer than I think it's going to take. It could be a week or a few days even."

She describes entering a "flow state" during the creative process, where the work becomes meditative, allowing her to push through physical fatigue and mental exhaustion.

Maintaining Creativity and Experimentation

Despite the demands of her commercial work, Stephanie remains committed to personal creative experiments. The lockdown period provided her with the opportunity to explore new ideas and mediums, although managing time between client projects and personal pursuits remains a challenge.

Stephanie (41:40): "I really want to explore a lot of just visual things like patterns and color combinations and I want to explore some three-dimensional aspects."

She aspires to integrate these personal experiments into her professional work, believing that continuous creative exploration fuels her artistic growth.

Future Aspirations and Reflections on Growth

Looking ahead, Stephanie dreams of tackling larger mural projects, participating in street art festivals, and exhibiting in art galleries. She also hopes to expand her work beyond Southern Ontario, embracing opportunities in different countries and regions.

Stephanie (51:53): "I'd like to do a really big wall, like multi-story building. That's always been a dream of mine. I'd love to participate in a mural street art festival and also just do a little more in the kind of art gallery world."

Reflecting on her journey, Stephanie acknowledges a complex blend of increased confidence and lingering anxieties. She feels more empowered to push her creative boundaries while also being more selective about her projects.

Stephanie (53:18): "I'm like somehow both more brave and less brave... I do feel like I'm more confident and at the same time I'm better at putting my foot down."

Conclusion

Stephanie Guattari's journey from a budding artist to a renowned muralist illustrates the transformative power of following one's passion despite challenges. Her blend of architectural precision and vibrant artistic expression not only beautifies public spaces but also inspires both peers and aspiring artists. This episode of Mindful Creative offers a heartening narrative of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of artistic fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie (00:50): "In a way, I'm like somehow bold, more brave and less brave..."
• Stephanie (04:20): "Art was always a really big part of my identity."
• Stephanie (09:45): "I got really obsessed with [murals]."
• Stephanie (12:34): "Every mural would just lead to another mural, which was really fortunate."
• Stephanie (25:03): "I'm using paint to create a 3D effect on a 2D surface."
• Stephanie (29:32): "I don't want to get married to an idea that they'll hate."
• Stephanie (35:23): "Always takes longer than I think it's going to take."
• Stephanie (41:40): "I really want to explore a lot of just visual things like patterns and color combinations."
• Stephanie (53:18): "I do feel like I'm more confident and at the same time I'm better at putting my foot down."

This summary captures the essence of Stephanie Guattari's episode on "Mindful Creative," highlighting her artistic evolution, challenges, and aspirations. For those interested in the nuances of blending art with public spaces and the personal growth that accompanies such a journey, this episode provides valuable insights.