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ABBY STIGLETS

The Studio Interview

Artists typically wear many hats. Abby Stiglets, a 2004 graduate from the University of Central Oklahoma Fine Arts & Design Department, is a prime example. Abby works a flexible full time job from home, which lets her take care of her two young girls while her husband goes to work. She still manages to create time to make artwork. For her, art is therapeutic and she does it for her own enjoyment. It is like a diary, where the subconscious can come alive. Often letting the symbols “draw themselves,” she typically doesn’t have everything planned out. It may start with a face, and evolve to incorporating different objects and symbols to decorate the portrait that relate to her current state of mind. With strong influences from Kahlo and Dali, Abby uses symbolism paired with a surrealistic style for her self-reflective paintings. For instance, the cages worn as garments are symbolic of feelings of control, while an open heart relates to exposure. Her work has transitioned from "darker" themes to a more positive, lighter tone. She jokes that her husband actually favors her early "darker" works but credits him for her artistic transition stating, "he made me happy so now the work isn't so dark.”

Often having to leave a painting to come back to it hours later, usually at night after the kiddos have gone to bed, it’s important to be able to pick up where she left off. This is possible only with oil paints, because they dry much, much, slower than acrylic. She enjoys the interaction that the viewer has with her large portraits. “They get really close to the faces as if trying to wait for a whisper,” Abby says. The large scale paintings are so detailed, it’s as if they are looking at you, observing, with their own thoughts. Abby pays most attention to the eyes, which are the most detailed part of the portraits. Her studio, which doubles as a day time desk space, is small, but packs a big punch. A window lets in plenty of natural light, while her paints are organized on the wall in a corner, hanging by clips. Clear plastic bins house the plethora of research she has collected over the years, ranging from prints of favorite faces, to a wide range of masks and skulls. It takes a while to process all the hidden hints of her inspiration around the room. The wall above her computer is home to her girls art gallery, while also displaying painted eye studies and a Frida Kahlo Barbie.


While admiring her studio and sharing mom stories, a child would appear every so often and give her big hugs. It's as if her studio comes with the best encouragement! If Abby made art to pay the bills, she’s afraid it would no longer be enjoyable, “that’s what I have a day job for.” Currently finding inspiration in the women’s movement, she strives to show power and strength. Abby herself is a symbol of strength, advocating for women through paintings, holding down a full time job, all while being a mother and wife.

Written and interviewed by Liz Boudreaux

Abby Stiglets: About
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Abby Stiglets: Video Player
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Abby Stiglets: Portfolio

Photos on this Page by Alyssa Roper Photography

More information about Abby Stiglets

Abby Stiglets: Quote
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