The Art in Making: Flow by Steph Lopez

"For some time, I have been quite interested in learning how to make accessories. But I never really found the time and will to do so until the second half of 2012." - Steph Lopez, Flow

Our head designer, PJ Valenciano, met Steph Lopez during their teenage years as part of  the Philippine Educational Theater Association's youth arm, MTTL (Metropolitan Teen Theater League). She was drawn to Steph because of  their love for art. It's no surprise that a few years later, Steph and PJ crossed paths away from the stage, as both of them were brought together by their love for costume jewelry. 

PINTO ART MUSEUM, ANTIPOLO

""In 2006, I quit my full to job to pursue art full time. I tried doing corporate work again in 2011, only to leave in the summer of the following year, as I realized I could no longer keep with the pace of corporate life, and that's not where my heart really was. I took trips near the sea, contemplated on my career path, and decided that if I were to take on another kind of work, it must be centered on what I really love - art making"" 

Steph Lopez is the designer/artist behind Flow Crafts and Jewelry. She pursued a career in visual arts, specializing in sculpture. But tough times made this a less than viable career choice, as being an artisan was not financially rewarding. After a few years of doing freelance writing, she decided to take a full-time corporate job to support her art. However, a sense of fulfillment eluded her. After resigning from an advertising position, she decided to travel all over the Philippines in hopes of finding inspiration and enlightened to fuel her foremost passion -which she coined as- "art making". 

Her experience working in an office setting made her wiser to the financial side of creating costume jewelry. She knew that she needed to expand her skills and knowledge in order to make her creations stand out. Her background in sculpting gave her an additional skill set, to which she infused  into her own brand of handmade jewelry.  As it turned out, she lives out her passion by making it a point to learn new things whenever she makes jewelry.  Aside from earning an income from a craft she once set aside, she finally found a creative outlet for her love of art and fashion. By losing herself to the demands of the material world, she found her way back, and continues to create beautiful pieces with a touch of her personality imbued into every single work of art. 

Flow by Steph Lopez is one of our featured artists. We will be showcasing some of her handmade pieces at the Second Sunday in Main in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 10, 2014. Drop by and support Independent Filipino Artists. 

Keeping it real.- PJV