Paula DeStefanis: Artist in Residence at Shannon Preserve

July 7, 2025  |  Topics: featured artist

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The Natural Realm presents Paula DeStefanis, who is among 10 artists participating in a year-long residency program called ARTservancy, now in its sixth year. ARTservancy is a collaboration between Gallery 224 in Port Washington and the Restoring Lands Land Trust, (formerly Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and River Revitalization Foundation).  Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy, Tall Pines Conservancy, and Lake Michigan Bird Observatory. The mission of ARTservancy is to promote the visionary work of both the artists and conservationists. Each artist has selected a preserve to spend time in and to engage with.

Reflections from the Artist

My residency with ARTservancy is a heartfelt tribute to my beloved cousin, Mark Murphy, who recently passed away. As a founding member of the Ozaukee Land Trust, Mark left a lasting impact. Through this residency, I aim to honor his legacy and his deep passion for nature by creating works that embody his love for the land and his dedication to preserving its beauty. I will concentrate my efforts on exploring the relationship between humanity and the land. I find the concept fascinating that some individuals develop a deep attachment to specific pieces of land, ultimately selecting them as their home and sanctuary, and later committing to their preservation. What is it that happens between humans and the land that fosters such an enduring connection? 

I don’t plan to provide a verbal answer to that question; instead, I aim to evoke an emotional response by inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the landscapes I depict. I hope to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity about our connection to the earth. My artworks strive to convey the profound sense of belonging that Mark felt for the land he cherished.

Each piece is a silent conversation, a visual narrative that speaks to those willing to listen with their hearts. It is my intention that, as you engage with these works, you are transported to a place where the beauty of nature and the legacy of those who love it are intertwined. This journey through art is an invitation to reflect on your own relationship with the natural world and to consider how you might become a steward of its splendor.

In this way, my residency is not only a tribute to Mark but also a call to action—encouraging us all to nurture and protect the precious environments that sustain us, just as Mark devoted his life to doing.

In the studio, I am focusing my body of work on oil painting. I’ve been experimenting with new techniques, blending my traditional tools with innovative approaches to convey not only the visual aspects of nature but also the emotional connections we hold with it. By integrating abstract elements of the land into my pieces through the symbolic use of color and texture I aim to create a visceral experience that resonates on a personal level.

I am particularly captivated by the themes of aging and renewal within the landscape. My frequent visits to the land allow me the joy of observing the land’s transformations as the seasons change. I dedicate months to layering textures with oil paints, striving to capture these experiences. I am excited to see the canvases come alive with the essence of the delicate changes that each season brings.

As I reflect on my work so far, I am also reminded of the importance of balance—between work and reflection, between creating and appreciating, and between the past and the future. This residency is not just an opportunity to expand my artistic horizons but also a chance to honor those who have inspired me along the way. I look forward to sharing this journey with you, celebrating the art of nature and the nature of art.

This project is more than a creative endeavor; it is a heartfelt homage to the enduring bond between people and the places they call home.

Gallery

Bio

Paula DeStefanis is an American artist celebrated for her detailed abstract paintings. Married to British photographer Adrian Spinks, she splits her time between Wisconsin and the UK, which enriches her artistic journey. Using both acrylics and oils, she adeptly utilizes repetition and layering techniques to delve into themes of time, duration, and transformation. Her creative process encourages a thorough exploration of concepts from various angles. Her artwork honors the tactile and emotional qualities inherent in each medium.

After dedicating 25 years to the North Shore Academy of the Arts and the Arts Mill in Grafton, Wisconsin, Paula has retired from her impactful roles within the arts community. As the Founder and Director, she led various art and educational programs for both organizations while also curating and overseeing exhibitions. She continues to hold a studio at The Arts Mill. In addition, she has taught myriad drawing and painting studio courses at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and various other institutions.

Paula has an extensive national exhibition and sales record spanning over three decades. With over 35 years of experience as a practicing artist, she now dedicates her artistic practice to full time studio work. Her current focus on studio work allows her to delve deeper into her artistic process, exploring new techniques and ideas that challenge and inspire her. Through her art, Paula invites viewers to join her on a journey of discovery, where the past and present converge in a celebration of life’s beauty and complexity.

Website: www.pauladestefanis,com

This residency is sponsored by Restoring Lands land trust. For more information about Shannon Preserve go to the Restoring Lands website.

Related story:

Danielle Pahlisch: Artist in Residence at Shannon Preserve

Additional ARTservancy artists in residence at other sites can be found here.

This is the latest in our series of featured artists, which is intended to showcase the work of photographers, artists, writers and other creative individuals in our community whose subjects or themes relate in some broad sense to nature, urban nature, people in nature, etc. To see a list of previously featured artists, click here. The work of the 2022-2023 ARTservancy artists in residence is currently being exhibited monthly at Gallery 224. To meet the other ARTservancy artists in residence, click here and then use the drop-down menu.

All images courtesy of the artist, except as noted. The featured photo at the top of Paula DeStefanis at Shannon Preserve is by Eddee Daniel. Restoring Lands is a project partner of A Wealth of Nature.

About Preserve Our Parks

Preserve Our Parks, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of parks and green spaces.  Our mission: To advocate for and promote Milwaukee area parks and open spaces and to strive to protect the tenets of Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine. 

For more than 25 years, we have been a leader in advocating for the protection of Milwaukee County park lands, halting many proposals to develop, privatize, or sell local parkland and lakefront spaces.  More information about POP, including past accomplishments, is available at www.preserveourparks.org.

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