As a graphic designer specializing in letterform design, Nancy Stentz has spent the last twenty years studying and teaching the art of transforming basic shapes into something that conveys an emotional message. Through this process, she has gained a heightened sense of visual balance.
Nancy was born in Olympia, Washington into a musical family. Her parents, Chuck and Jan Stentz, both accomplished musicians, have each been inducted into the Earshot Jazz Hall of Fame. She studied art and design at both Western Washington University and the Art Institute of Seattle. She became a freelance designer in Seattle after graduating from art school in 1986. In 1989, she was asked to teach letterform design and graphic design at the Art Institute of Seattle and later at the Cornish School of the Arts. She continued teaching for 14 years.
Her designs have been published in numerous books including Graphis 100 Years World Trademarks and The New York Type Directors Club. She has done work for clients such as Alaska Airlines, Pacific NW Ballet, Portland Symphony, UCLA, Microsoft and personal work for Bill and Melinda Gates.
It seems very natural for Nancy to make the jump from letterform design to abstract art where many of the same principles are used. According to the artist, “When dealing with a non-representational image you have to rely on the use of color, texture, balance and form. In 2002, I began creating a non-commercial body of work just for myself. I started by hand-creating shapes and textures, which I then scanned and manipulated through a digital layering and collaging process. Like jazz, my artwork evolves from a spontaneous process.â€
Nancy has shown her work in several Northwest galleries including the Ballard Fetherston Gallery (Seattle, WA) and is currently learning to produce her artwork in the traditional printmaking process.
She met her husband David in art school, and they have been making art together ever since. They reside in Seattle with their two cats, Ranger and Skagit, and their 11 year old son, Roman, who never ceases to impress them with his ability to create.
