Much of my childhood was spent in the woods. We rode our bikes, built forts, made muffins and pies out of mud. It was a sort of sanctuary, a space where hours melted away and where we invented our own lives. It was a place without rules or even time.
I know that there is an awareness, a communication, between trees, clouds and water. In the woods I can feel the dialogue, and in my paintings, I become a part of that conversation.
Biography
Over the years, DiGiacopo has always invested in creative outlets to nourish her inner artist. More recently, she has positioned herself as a painter. She brings her familiar sense of focus, commitment, and professionalism to her development as an artist.
Early in her career, DiGiacopo worked as a jewelry designer. Her work was sold in galleries and fashion boutiques both nationally and internationally. Clients included Galleries and shops in Boston and Hong Kong, as well as Barney’s NY and Nordstrom. She has studied textile design, illustration, and has worked in retail as a display specialist… but Stephanie’s most rewarding venture has been as an educator for the past 16 years. She feels blessed to spend time sharing the love of art with her students and learning all that she can with them.
Her early artistic exposure was shaped by her mother’s passion for sewing, quilting, embroidery, always teaching & encouraging…Stephanie was happiest to try any & everything creative… “My mom was a constant source of artistic inspiration, she provided what felt like a never-ending stream of creative opportunities, from embroidery and sewing, to stained glass, and making our own puppets. I have always loved the act of creating something from nothing”.
Working in oil, DiGiacopo paints primarily in the landscape genre. Her work can be described as Contemporary Realism. Stephanie’s work has been shaped by the Northeastern landscape depicting locations where she has lived. She is most happy to spend time with family, hiking in the woods with her dog, and painting in her studio.
Resume
EXPERIENCE Pascack Valley Regional High School District — Art Teacher2006 - PRESENT Teaches high school visual art courses, from beginning to Honors & AP level. Classes include Studio I, Honors Studio II, AP Studio Art: Drawing & Design, and Sculpture & Ceramics. Art Club Advisor, Presenter for Academic Decathlon, Mentor in New Teacher Program, Teaches Professional Development Drawing course for teachers. Responsible for Annual Art Exhibit, showcasing student and faculty work.
Stephanie DePalo Jewelry - Designer 1989 - 1998 Created and managed business. Designed three Bridge jewelry collections annually. Developed advertisements and promotional pieces. Displayed and merchandised seasonal collections in New York Showroom. Sold work to galleries and boutiques, both nationally and internationally.
EDUCATION SCAD, Savannah, GA — MFA in Painting candidate 2020 to PRESENT SCAD, Savannah, GA — MA in Illustration Design 2011 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ — AP Certification 2009 Ramapo College, Mahwah, NJ— Teacher Certification 2006 Tufts/Museum of Fine Arts School, Boston, MA — BFA 1985
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS NAWA National Association of Women Artists Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Ridgewood Art Institute, Ridgewood, NJ
EXHIBITIONS April 2 - May 3, 2022 35th Annual Juried Exhibition Art Alliance of Monmouth County, Red Bank, NJ