Welcome To My Creative World!
I'm Stephanie Sandoval, also known as Ehhsteph. As a Peruvian American artist, I thrive on diverse artistic experiences and techniques. While I don't hold a master's in any specific art form, creativity is my lifeblood. From crafting special effects and sculpting unique pieces to painting and fabricating animatronics, my work spans a wide spectrum. I embrace the unconventional and take pride in exploring the realm of oddities.
Join me on this imaginative journey!
Mug Oddities
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Before the pandemic struck, I eagerly attended every special effects workshop I could. But as closures set in, the reality of isolation and the strains of night-shift work in healthcare weighed heavily on me. Amidst this, my spouse and I yearned to start a family. Sadly, news of infertility and the loss of a dear one to Covid added to our challenges. To distract myself, I turned to painting and entered a Halloween pumpkin competition. The thrill of winning my category lifted my spirits. Among the prizes was a sample of Cosclay, a polymer clay I had yet to explore.
One night, fueled by my 4th cup of coffee in a Jack Skellington mug, inspiration struck. I began sculpting on basic mugs, starting with a gruesome Yeti and an evil Elf. The joy I felt with each creation spurred me to sculpt more. Family and friends, upon seeing photos of my new endeavor, began requesting custom pieces. I embraced the challenge, crafting one-of-a-kind creations for clients.
The desire for children reminded me of Victor Frankenstein's yearning for his own creation. As I pondered this concept during my night shifts, I experimented with resin and polymer clay, crafting intricate resin eyes—a core element in my "children," which defied nature's course. Embracing my nocturnal nature, I searched for a fitting name for my creations. And then it came to me—the Nocturnals, my beautiful monsters, my children.
"Creativity is the magic that lets us see beauty where others see rubble—a glimpse of wonder in the forgotten and charm in the strange. It’s the playful alchemy of turning castoffs into treasures, a dreamer’s gift to find art in life’s odds and ends. In every oddity and every discarded piece, there’s a story waiting to be told, a spark waiting to ignite. When we dare to see the world this way, we’re not just making art—we’re bringing enchantment to the everyday."