Steffi Callaghan

Steffi Callaghan is an abstract painter whose work is inspired by the hidden, overlooked, and mysterious spaces of the world. Her art delves into the ways we perceive these spaces, drawing on both historical and modern maps to reflect how they shape our relationship with the environment. Steffi frequently works with acrylic, ink, and layered paint collage to create evocative pieces that explore the unexplored. Her artistic process is deeply connected to geography, with her background in this field informing much of her creative journey. In addition to her paintings, she also engages in printmaking, further expanding her artistic repertoire.

Artistic Background
Steffi’s artistic journey began during her A-level studies in art, which laid the foundation for her creative practice. She went on to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Geography at the University of Manchester, where she developed an academic interest in maps and sea mapping, themes that later became central to her work. Furthering her education, Steffi completed an MA in Art and Science at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts, London. Her time there allowed her to bridge the gap between her scientific and artistic interests, particularly in the realm of deep-sea exploration and the mythology of the unknown. Collaborating with scientists on deep-sea mapping projects sparked a fascination with unexplored parts of the world, which has since become a recurring theme in her work.

Steffi’s paintings are primarily influenced by her geographical studies and research into human fear and responses to the unknown. Her art allows her to explore hard-to-reach places, such as Antarctica, through a conceptual lens, reflecting on the mysteries and mythologies of these distant spaces. In this way, she uses her artwork to bring to life regions of the world that are typically inaccessible, creating a visual dialogue between fear, curiosity, and the unknown. Now based in Harrogate, Steffi also finds inspiration in the vast open spaces of Yorkshire, particularly its coastline. The artist community in the region has been a significant source of support, allowing her to develop her ideas in a collaborative and nurturing environment. Steffi enjoys sketching outdoors, using the landscapes around her to fuel her imagination and creative energy.

Steffi’s participation in the 2023 Emerging Artist Awards with the Scott Creative Arts Foundation marked a pivotal moment in her career. Being a finalist in the competition not only highlighted her work but also opened doors for her to join a peer group of like-minded artists. This peer group, which regularly meets to discuss and critique each other’s work, has provided Steffi with a philosophical and collaborative space to push the boundaries of her artistic practice. The connections and friendships formed through SCAF have allowed her to refine her ideas and approach, providing a crucial platform for growth.

Since her involvement with the Emerging Artist Awards, Steffi has taken time to travel and broaden her horizons, visiting places like Scandinavia and Australia. These travels have sparked new ideas and themes that she intends to explore in her upcoming work. Steffi has exhibited in a variety of prestigious galleries and events, including North Yorkshire Open Studios, the Inspired by Gallery in Danby, and the Lawrence Batley Gallery Emerging Artists 2023 Exhibition. Her work continues to evolve as she reflects on her experiences abroad, and she is beginning to experiment with larger-scale pieces that challenge her previous artistic boundaries.

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions
Looking ahead, Steffi is eager to intensify her focus on her creative practice over the coming year. She plans to take a step back from frequent exhibitions to dedicate herself to experimentation and reflection, allowing her to develop a more ambitious body of work. With plans to work on a larger scale and incorporate new ideas from her recent travels, Steffi hopes to push her art into uncharted territories. Ultimately, she aims to continue exploring the relationship between humanity and the unknown, bringing new insights into the dialogue between art and geography.