The Imagination of SteviT
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Stevi T grew up in West Paterson, New Jersey. Her artistic ability helped her navigate her school years, and she eventually graduated from the School of Advertising Art. She raised her greatest creations, her children Kristen, Austin, and Devon, in Montville, New Jersey. However, as the empty nest phase approached, she relocated with her Alpacas to New Milford, Pennsylvania in 2000. Stevi T's Alpaca Encounters underwent various transformations, as many endeavors do. It all began with her involvement in creating soft sculpture rag dolls in the 80s, followed by crafting polymer clay (Cernit) direct sculpt art dolls in the 90s. During this time, she became an active member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America. In 2000, she shifted her focus to crafting needle-felted animals. The idea of needle felting emerged as a result of Stevi T's experience raising Alpacas and her desire to create wigs for her one-of-a-kind dolls. Back in 2000, needle-felt fiber art was still relatively new in the doll world. With fiber readily available, she delved into researching needle felting, a form of dry felting that utilizes a single tool. Stevi T chose to pursue realism in her wildlife creations, distinguishing herself from other artists who relied on purchasing fiber. She fully processed her own fiber by washing, dyeing, and carding, returning to the traditional techniques that she had to learn. Although rewarding, the process was extremely time-consuming. Nevertheless, she took pride in taking her fiber art from the animal source to the finished product. Early in her career, Stevi T appeared as a guest on Regis & Kathy Lee, showcasing her soft sculpture dolls on the show. Her art and Alpacas also made guest appearances on News 6 NJ. Over the years, she has been honored with numerous awards, starting with The Golden Teddy People's Choice and TOBY Awards for both industry and People's Choice in multiple categories. She also received an Award of Excellence for her Polar bear and Lop Ear Rabbit. In 2017, her creation, Ernie's Steampunk biker mouse, won the TOBY Industry Choice, People's Choice, and a URSA Award. Additionally, her cottontail rabbit won the URSA Award and the Alfonso Bear Artist Award. In 2018, Steampunk magazine featured four pages showcasing her creations. |
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Stevi T grew up in West Paterson, New Jersey. Her artistic ability helped her navigate her school years, and she eventually graduated from the School of Advertising Art. She raised her greatest creations, her children Kristen, Austin, and Devon, in Montville, New Jersey. However, as the empty nest phase approached, she relocated with her Alpacas to New Milford, Pennsylvania in 2000. Stevi T's Alpaca Encounters underwent various transformations, as many endeavors do. It all began with her involvement in creating soft sculpture rag dolls in the 80s, followed by crafting polymer clay (Cernit) direct sculpt art dolls in the 90s. During this time, she became an active member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America. In 2000, she shifted her focus to crafting needle-felted animals. The idea of needle felting emerged as a result of Stevi T's experience raising Alpacas and her desire to create wigs for her one-of-a-kind dolls. Back in 2000, needle-felt fiber art was still relatively new in the doll world. With fiber readily available, she delved into researching needle felting, a form of dry felting that utilizes a single tool. Stevi T chose to pursue realism in her wildlife creations, distinguishing herself from other artists who relied on purchasing fiber. She fully processed her own fiber by washing, dyeing, and carding, returning to the traditional techniques that she had to learn. Although rewarding, the process was extremely time-consuming.  Nevertheless, she took pride in taking her fiber art from the animal source to the finished product. Early in her career, Stevi T appeared as a guest on Regis & Kathy Lee, showcasing her soft sculpture dolls on the show. Her art and Alpacas also made guest appearances on News 6 NJ. Over the years, she has been honored with numerous awards, starting with The Golden Teddy People's Choice and TOBY Awards for both industry and People's Choice in multiple categories. She also received an Award of Excellence for her Polar bear and Lop Ear Rabbit. In 2017, her creation, Ernie's Steampunk biker mouse, won the TOBY Industry Choice, People's Choice, and a URSA Award. Additionally, her cottontail rabbit won the URSA Award and the Alfonso Bear Artist Award. In 2018, Steampunk magazine featured four pages showcasing her creations. |