Art has a way of mirroring life, and for self-taught artist Stormie Steele, that reflection runs deep. Her creative process and personal philosophy are intertwined, creating a body of work that speaks to transformation, resilience, and the beauty found in life’s imperfections. Stormie’s journey is one of constant discovery, where challenges become lessons, and art becomes a medium for exploring what it means to evolve.
For Stormie, art is more than a visual statement. It’s a space to explore the complexities of life—the struggles, the triumphs, and the often-overlooked moments of beauty. Her series Hidden Riches 2 embodies this outlook. Using materials like acrylic, plaster, and flotrol, she crafts abstract compositions that feel tactile and alive, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the stories hidden within.
A Look at StormDancer and Hidden Riches
Two of Stormie Steele’s standout works, StormDancer and Hidden Riches, exemplify her artistic vision. These pieces aren’t merely paintings; they are reflections on movement, growth, and the value of life’s small, often unnoticed moments.
StormDancer (30 x 40)
“Life is designed to awaken and sharpen our sense of self, clarifying purpose along the way. We learn to honor the sacredness of becoming through a rhythm of constants—teachable moments, fortunate and unfortunate.
StormDancer lives and moves without loss of self, finding sacred regard through it all.” ~Stormie Steele
StormDancer radiates with energy and fluidity. Its layered textures and muted tones, contrasted by bursts of brighter colors, create a sense of motion that feels both spontaneous and intentional. The painting captures the idea of moving through life’s ups and downs with grace and authenticity.
This artwork evokes the rhythm of growth—the push and pull of change and the constancy of self. Stormie’s thoughtful layering reflects the many facets of life: chaotic yet harmonious, ever-changing yet grounded. It’s a reminder that life’s challenges, while difficult, can also shape and sharpen our sense of purpose.
Hidden Riches (40 x 60)
“Brevity, the current that swiftly crosses our path, reminding us…take nothing for granted. Life-bearing streams flowing in my midst.
Hidden Riches, that which appears insignificant is quite significant.” ~Stormie Steele
Larger in scale, Hidden Riches carries a sense of quiet introspection. The piece combines solid, textured forms with fluid, abstract movements, creating a composition that feels both grounded and ethereal. Stormie’s use of plaster and flotrol gives the surface a tangible depth, as if the painting itself holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Hints of gold and silver run through the muted palette, suggesting hidden treasures beneath the layers. These metallic accents catch the light, drawing the viewer’s attention to the interplay between shadow and brightness. The piece asks a simple yet profound question: What do we overlook in our rush through life?
The theme of Hidden Riches speaks to the importance of presence and gratitude. It invites viewers to pause and reflect on the significance of small, seemingly ordinary moments. Stormie’s words remind us that the value of life often lies in the places we least expect.
Art as a Journey
Through her work, Stormie Steele encourages a perspective shift. Her art doesn’t seek to resolve life’s complexities but rather to honor them. Each layer, stroke, and material she uses carries meaning, echoing her belief that growth is a process, not an end goal.
What makes Stormie’s work resonate is its relatability. The themes she explores—resilience, self-discovery, gratitude—are universal, yet her approach is deeply personal. Her use of mixed media enhances this connection, creating works that are as much about texture and form as they are about emotion and thought.
With pieces like StormDancer and Hidden Riches, Stormie invites us to see life as a series of teachable moments. Her art is a celebration of movement—both literal and metaphorical—reminding us to embrace change and seek beauty in the unexpected.
Stormie Steele’s work challenges us to look inward and find the “hidden riches” within ourselves and our experiences. Whether through the dynamic energy of StormDancer or the reflective stillness of Hidden Riches, her art offers a gentle reminder: there is beauty in the imperfect, and there is value in every step of the journey.
