The Mississippi Delta is the ultimate embodiment of cultural diversity. Shaped from a myriad of values and diverse walks of life, the culture produced is unique like no other. At the center of this community was born the importance of music, specifically the Blues. Stacey Monteleone, an award-winning artist, grew up in Charleston, Mississippi, on the cusp of the Mississippi Delta. Her community wove the Blues into her daily life: her activities, including church, get-togethers, even the car radio, contributed to her admiration for the musical genre.
Influenced by her mother’s quilting, Monteleone picked up a needle and thread at an early age. Her journey towards a life of craft began with bright patches of fabric; the use of a vivid color palette still reflects in her pieces to this day. Alongside her fond memories of sewing, Monteleone’s exposure to the Blues only further called her to deepen her passion for the artistic life. The desire to paint from musical inspiration encouraged Monteleone to study art at the University of Mississippi.
Ever since graduating from University, she has pushed to develop her unique painting style. The acrylic piece’s, ranging from paper to canvas bases, are born from differentiating musical lyrics. Monteleone’s ear is attuned to the desire to paint the music, crafting the lyrical messages into a visual interpretation that echoes the song.
“Music is the key driver in my subject matter,” Monteleone says. Her brush strokes originate from the mental image the song evokes, guiding the start of her work. Artistically influenced by Folk and Pop Art, she also pulls inspiration from post-graffiti and impressionist painters. She hopes her ability to produce visual representations of music can bring people together and connect in a similar way listening to music does.
Art and Music is the ultimate fusion within Monteleone’s work; hand in hand, the two creative outlets are combined to create a powerful impact that seeks to strengthen togetherness. “I believe people can connect over art and music that might not otherwise agree with each other,” states Monteleone. “You don’t have to align with a person’s values or belief system to enjoy great music or art together.” Her hope is that all viewers can enjoy her art aesthetically, find common ground together, and to grow closer together as a community.
From the Grateful Dead to the Beatles, the diversity of musical selection to inspire her work is as diverse as the community and her own personal interests. Her wide range of skill set creates a studio space set with a sewing machine, as well as easels and colorful paints. Monteleone’s work is not linear or limited; there is no start or finish, and every piece has its own unique stage of life.
The cultural influence of the state of Mississippi and the music it produces continues to be the leading contributor to Monteleone’s desire to contribute back to her community. She positively states that there is a very supportive, thriving artist community here in Oxford, rich in artistic opportunities. Through her involvement with the Artist Collective in Water Valley and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC), she is able to showcase her work and fill the space with her vibrant pieces at the Powerhouse in Oxford and at Bozarts Gallery in Water Valley.
Stacey Monteleone’s original acrylic work can be viewed and purchased through ArtPal.com/staceymonteleone. To keep up with her on social media, her instagram platform can be found under the handle @monteleonestacey.
