We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Onwenu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, why did you pursue a creative career?
“Art has been a fluid part of me. I will describe it as a freely flowing thread stitching together different pieces of my life. It is no news that I chose a creative career. As a youth, I would create artwork using the materials around me. I was into everything arts related from painting, drawing, sculpting, sketching, photography, and sewing. I also specialize in custom art work in other multidimensional forms such as creating African head gele designs and custom hand-made pins that I made and sold while in high school.

I identify as a multifaceted creative who practices different forms of creativity that interest me. The idea behind Ijeomalandartscapes LLC came about while brainstorming ways to appreciate the natural beauty of nature and the outdoor environment in[doors] through art. While utilizing my background in landscape architecture and environmental design, I began to conceptualize different art forms and view of the landscape environment.

One day, I decided to take a leap of faith on an idea and my passions for art. I was sick of being indoors and fueled with curiosity as I scrolled social media browsing my timeline at “what’s new”. This was around the peak work from home days during the pandemic. I randomly had this nostalgic feeling to start creating art and the idea of loose autonomy of being outdoors. Meeting at the intersections of art design, history and culture exist Ijeomalandartscapes LLC. “A landscape art experience is what I call it.”

What should our readers know about your business?
Welcome to Ijeomalandartscapes, a landscape art experience! Ijeomalandartscapes LLC, explores the intersections between art, design, history, and culture. Ijeoma, originating from West Africa of the Nigerian Igbo language meaning “a wish of happiness or a safe journey in life” speaks on the vision of each piece, its message, and delivery into the world (the process).

The art form process of Ijeomalandartscapes LLC is created through creative expression, design and storytelling. It is the relationship between the landscape and how art can be used as a tool to create, design, experiment and to challenge the norm. I enjoy taking a creative approach to design through my work using natural materials, found objects, 3D art and modeling as an expressive tool to convey ideas and concepts. Each mixed media art piece is made with a variety of preserved moss, acrylic paint, natural materials, accessories and stones for a beautiful and maintenance-free greenery. I take pride in uniquely hand-crafting each artwork piece as one of a kind.

As an arts educator, I empower communities and youth through providing services that bring awareness to the influence of the arts on our culture and society. In the past, I’ve offered art classes for events and group settings embracing the impact art can have on one’s life. As a collaborator with other artists, I enjoy cultivating a space to freely create, work and thrive through shared passions and ideas.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Detroit is full of fun and cool places to visit any day and time. I would definitely recommend the following places to visit while in Detroit. Be sure to check out the following during your visit (in no order):

  • Belle Isle (my favorite place to visit in Detroit)
  • Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Joe Louis Greenway
  • The Riverfront + Milliken State Park
  • Dequindre Cut
  • The Belt (visit during the day or night)
  • Eastern Market (on Sunday, Tuesday or Saturday Markets)
  • Lafayette Greens
  • Whatcha Wanna Eat
  • Detroit People’s Food Co-op
  • Neighborhood Grocery LLC

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my journey, I have received great support, love affirmations and encouragement from many people in which I am so grateful for including my family, friends, fans, supporters and the collective art community. Thank you all for pouring into the love that I share for art and my passions to share it with the world.

I know little Stephanie is proud of how far she has come as an artist and in owning her identity. I dedicate this to all the versions of self that inspired me to be the artist and creative that I am today. It is a beautiful journey – and to that I say own your authenticity!

Website: https://www.ijeomalandartscapes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ijeomalandartscapes/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ijeomalandartscapes-llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ijeomalandartscapes/

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ijeomalandartscapes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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