STEPHANIE TORAL is a printmaker and mixed media artist based in Saugatuck, Michigan. Her work begins with close observation of the natural world and develops through drawing, printmaking, watercolor, pattern and layered imagery.
Botanical forms, birds, insects, fragments of text, and repeated motifs move between specimen and memory, structure and spontaneity. Traditional printmaking processes provide a foundation, while mixed media allows images to be altered, repeated, interrupted, and reassembled.
Stephanie's current body of work, Living Pattern, explores the relationship between natural form and human mark-making: the patterns we observe, inherit, create and transform.
"I am less interested in telling the viewer what an image means
than in creating a space for looking.
The work is an invitation to my point of view — and an opportunity for the viewer to discover their own."
ARTIST STATEMENT
My art is a journey through the layers of perception, an exploration of the delicate interplay between nature and abstraction. Inspired by the world around me, I delve into the textures, colors, and forms that define our environment, translating these elements into visual narratives that resonate with a universal audience.
Working primarily in watercolor, copper intaglio etching, and monotype, I embrace the fluidity and unpredictability of these mediums. Each piece is areflection of my fascination with the organic patterns found in nature, from the intricate veins of a leaf to the sweeping lines of a landscape.
Through my work, I seek to capture the ephemeral beauty of these moments, inviting viewers to pause and connect with the subtle intricacies of the natural world.
My process is both intuitive and deliberate. I begin with loose sketches and gradually build layers, allowing each stage to inform the next. This methodical approach enables me to balance spontaneity with control, resulting in artworks that are both dynamic and harmonious. The use of varied textures and techniques adds depth and dimension, encouraging viewers to explore the details and discover new aspects with each viewing.
Art, for me, is a means of communication, a way to share my perspective and evoke emotions. I strive to create pieces that not only captivate visually but also engage the mind and spirit. By blending traditional methods with contemporary themes, I aim to bridge the past and present, offering a fresh take on classic subjects.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us and to remind us of our connection to the natural world. Through my art, I hope to create a space for contemplation, wonder, and dialogue, fostering a greater understanding of our place within the intricate tapestry of life.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2026 Monoprint: One of a Kind - Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Chicago, Illinois
Six-artist exhibition of monoprint and monotype
2025 36th Annual Small Print Exhibition & Holiday Sale - Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Chicago, Illinois
2024 Some Day My Prints Will Come! - Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Chicago, Illinois
2023 34th Annual International Small Print Exhibition - Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Chicago, Illinois
2020-2021 31st Annual International Small Print Show & Holiday Sale - Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Chicago, Illinois
2019 Local Artist Pop-Up Exhibition - Urban Edge Gallery, Waukegan, Illinois
2018 Redefining Tradition - Ice House Gallery, Evanston, Illinois
2017 Opening Exhibition - Ice House Gallery, Evanston, Illinois
2015 First Annual Adler Member Artists' Exhibition - David Adler Music & Arts Center, Libertyville, Illinois
Printmaking and watercolor
2014 Encounters: 2001-2014 - Retrospective
David Adler Music & Arts Center, Libertyville, Illinois
2012 Hop On - Solo Exhibition - David Adler Music & Arts Center, Libertyville, Illinois
Watercolor, copper intaglio etching and monoprint
2010 Gallery 60048 - Libertyville, Illinois
Exhibiting artist and organizer
LEADERSHIP + PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Lake County Haven - Libertyville, Illinois
Auxilliary Board Member + Gala Creative Consultant
Deer Path Art League - Lake Forest, Illinois
Board of Directors; Executive Board, Secretary
David Adler Music + Arts Center - Libertyville, Illinois
Board of Directors, Fundraising + Exhibitions Chair
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative - Chicago, Illinois
Member Artist
SELECTED RECOGNITION
Sappi Ideas that Matter - Lake County Haven
PCC Golden Trumpet Award - Glenkirk Foundation
