Artist Angle With Billie Steiner

Medium/Art Form Visual

When and how did you start making art?
I’ve always had a passion for art, and I found my niche of abstract painting about four years ago when I started expressing my thoughts by using acrylic paints and different painting techniques.

It’s almost like a sigh of relief when you love something you create from nothing but racing thoughts and feelings.

I love looking at art and being able to see something different from every angle. I want people to perceive my art the way they want to see it. There are open ended possibilities with art.

What inspires your work?
Instead of finding weakness in mental illness, I use those feelings to inspire new pieces.

I’m also inspired by my family. They encourage me to keep moving forward, and I love to see my nieces enjoy painting with me. I feel like I’m making a positive imprint on them.

How would you describe Green Bay/NE Wisconsin’s arts community?

Without Wisconsin’s arts community, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

For example, writing this right now – it’s very hard to get noticed being an artist. This community welcomes you and promotes all artists at a very minimal price.

What is the best advice you have for other artists?
I have to pass down some advice I received.

This is my first year getting my artwork displayed at different venues, and it’s been frustrating because we are our worst enemy at first because art is in the eye of the beholder, and not everyone is going to take interest.

So, my advice is to keep searching for possibilities. There are a lot of them out there. Also, network with fellow artists. They can provide helpful information on who to contact or where to go.

Plus, don’t give up! Keep working, try new techniques, make mistakes and fix them. You can only get better!

Where can people find your work?

I have had displays at One of One Gallery, Art Garage, and Wonderful Things.

I am working on an Etsy store, and I have an Instagram account. These are all new realms for me that I’m trying to improve. It’s a new chapter in my life. It is just the beginning.