Q & A with Playback Memphis Holiday Card artist Stephanie King

We recently had the chance to chat with local artist Stephanie King about her piece, “The Work”, of which will be featured on the 2019 Playback Memphis holiday card. If you’d like to order holiday cards for those on your list, please click here or contact Oz Kovarik at [email protected]. Here’s some snippets from our conversation.

1. What is your relationship with Playback Memphis?

I was introduced to Playback 3 to 4 years ago by attending a performance at First Congo. I have attended several since then. I have invited family and friends to attend as I think it would be impossible not to be profoundly and positively impacted by attending.

2. Why did you think Playback Memphis is important?

Playback is important to Memphis because it has given Memphis another opportunity to engage in several important and very needed dialogues. They are serving our city in such a meaningful and powerful way.

3. Tell us about what is happening in “The Work”?

The “Work” is about what I see in the work Playback does. Also, and more importantly I feel that Playback gives our community as a whole an opportunity to do work as well as individuals within the community. The works as I see it is processing issues, opening up a space to discuss issues, and allowing a healing to take place.

4. Are you a full time artist? What inspires your art?

I am a full time artist. I work in a studio at home. I have been painting and drawing as along as I can remember. I feel very luck to have art as a meditative and creative practice.

5. What feeling do you hope people will get from this piece?

I hope people are able to see the imagery I have chosen and connect that imagery to their own thoughts and feelings that they have formed around Playback or about creating peace within them and our community. Thank you Playback for letting me participate in this creative endeavor.