Artist Spotlight: Stephanie Long – The Visionary Behind Goldcrafter's Corner

Stephanie Long, the talented artist and jewelry designer behind Goldcrafter’s Corner, has been creating captivating art for over three decades. Based in Carlisle, PA, Stephanie has built a reputation as a master of blending fine craftsmanship with deep personal meaning in every piece she creates. Over the years, her work has spanned photography, jewelry design, and surreal paintings, all while remaining anchored by a singular belief: art is an expression of perspective and emotion.

As a long-time customer of Golden State Art, Stephanie has experienced firsthand how our products, like photo mat boards and picture frames, help elevate her creations, allowing her work to shine in the best possible light. Today, we’re diving into her creative journey and sharing how Stephanie's art continues to inspire not only those who see it but also aspiring artists around the world.

A Creative Journey of Dedication and Vision

Stephanie’s journey as an artist began at an early age. “Art is a way of looking at your environment, being inspired by and sharing what you see or how you feel,” she shares. For Stephanie, art was a natural calling. “As long as I can remember, I have been inspired to create,” she recalls. Her work in the Goldcrafter's Corner is a testament to that inspiration, as she has spent 34 years creating jewelry and art pieces that resonate deeply with both her and her audience.

Her shop in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is more than just a physical space; it is a manifestation of her lifelong dedication to creativity. As an artist, Stephanie doesn't just capture a moment or a feeling; she shares a perspective—a unique viewpoint that invites others into her world. Photography, to her, is especially about perspective: “Photography is about sharing a perspective. Art is as well, but it can also be about invoking emotion, intensely personal.”

Her art pieces are a reflection of the world around her, often drawing inspiration from nature and the personal stories that shape her life. While she enjoys working with various mediums, it is her ability to blend her personal emotions into her creations that make her work truly special.

Inspired by Life’s Moments

When it comes to choosing the subjects of her art, Stephanie gravitates toward nature. “I photograph nature, generally,” she explains, “and I like to paint fantasy and surreal, often nudes.” Her preference for surrealism stems from her desire to escape the constraints that clothing and fashion often impose on art. “Adding clothing adds all kinds of implications about style and culture,” she says, highlighting her belief in the freedom of expression that art should offer.

One of the most profound sources of inspiration for Stephanie in recent years has been her late daughter, who shared a deep passion for architecture. “The larger pieces I have done in the last number of years were inspired by my daughter’s love of architecture. She barely had time to find her artistic voice and I lost her,” Stephanie confides. Her major works now combine her own artistic vision with that of her daughter’s, creating a deeply emotional and personal connection to every piece she completes.

The Power of Artistic Vision

Stephanie’s advice to aspiring artists is both simple and powerful: “Artistic ability is like a muscle. The more you flex it, the stronger it gets.” She encourages artists to stay true to their own voice, saying, “Develop your vision, make sure it’s YOUR vision, and don’t limit yourself.” These words are a reminder that creativity is not just about technique; it’s about authenticity and persistence.

Her journey as an artist wasn’t always linear, but her commitment to her craft and the confidence she built over the years have made her the artist she is today. For her, success isn’t just about recognition; it’s about the act of creation itself and the joy it brings to both the artist and the viewer.

Golden State Art: A Trusted Partner in Creativity

Stephanie discovered Golden State Art while searching for mat boards and photo cards, and has since become a loyal customer. She found that our high-quality framing products were the perfect complement to her work, enhancing the presentation of her photographs and artwork. “The little pieces I do have found a home in the matts and frames that I got from you,” she says, highlighting how our products have helped elevate her work, whether for display or sale.

As an artist who values craftsmanship, Stephanie appreciates the care and quality that Golden State Art brings to every product. Our photo mat boards and picture frames are not only functional but also visually enhance the work of artists like Stephanie, allowing them to showcase their creations with elegance and professionalism.

Continued Passion and Future Projects

Stephanie is currently focused on her “little” pieces—smaller, spontaneous works that she creates “off the top of her head.” While there are no major projects at the moment, her passion for art remains unwavering, and her work continues to evolve. It’s clear that her journey is one of continual growth and exploration, and with each new piece, Stephanie invites us to see the world from her perspective.

Conclusion: A Visionary Artist Making Her Mark

Stephanie Long’s work is a testament to the power of artistic expression. Whether she’s capturing the natural world through her camera lens or channeling her emotions into surreal paintings, she invites us to look at the world in new and meaningful ways. Her story reminds us that art is more than just a craft—it’s a reflection of who we are, where we’ve been, and how we see the world around us.

At Golden State Art, we’re proud to be a part of Stephanie’s creative journey. Our high-quality photo mat boards and picture frames help artists like her bring their visions to life, and we’re excited to continue supporting her as she creates new pieces for us to admire and appreciate.

If you're an artist or photographer like Stephanie, we invite you to explore our wide selection of framing products and see how Golden State Art can help elevate your artwork, just as we’ve done for her.