Meet the Member: Stephanie Corne

Member news | October 04, 2024

We are pleased to introduce Stephanie Corne, a valued FACC-NY member. Stephanie is an internationally exhibited multimedia artist, featured on CNN.com for a series on Vitiligo, and has had her artwork displayed at Rockefeller Plaza for the Flag Project in partnership with the UN Environment Program.

Her art is commissioned by private clients, interior designers, and celebrities. In addition, she owns a business that provides specialty finishes for affluent clients in NYC and abroad, and offers graphic facilitation services for major industrial players and nonprofit foundations.

Hi Stephanie! Where are you from, and how long have you been in the US?

I was born in France and have spent the last 31 years in NYC.

You've achieved many successes. What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment? 

Recently, I created two pieces of artwork for a major rock star and his actress-director wife. They prefer to keep the work private, so I am not sharing it on social media. They loved what I did, and that’s the best feeling. In the past, I’ve painted sets for celebrities like Michael Jackson and served as a prop master for Leonard Cohen’s video pieces. Over the past 25 years, I have provided high-end decorative finishes and murals in NYC, where quality standards are exceptionally high. My company, specializing in various wall finishes, is fully insured, and my team is certified in OSHA and scaffolding. Additionally, I travel globally to offer live graphic facilitation for major industrial summits, nonprofits, and foundations. These projects often address critical issues such as climate change, drinking water, and volatile markets. It may seem like I do very different things, but to me, it’s a series of creative projects that bring me immense happiness.

Who has made a significant impact on your life, personally or professionally, and why?

When we are young, our confidence is shaped by the support we receive from our family. My parents recognized early on that I was an artist, and my entire family supported my path. A significant influence on me as a young painter was my great-grandfather's brother, Alex Smadja. In the 1930s, he left his career as a dentist, where, by the way, he had a monkey in his waiting room, to become an abstract painter. One of his friends was Man Ray. His existence and lifestyle allowed me to envision an unconventional and financially viable career. I am truly grateful to those who gave me a chance when I started in this town, not knowing anyone. It's important to remember that when a young person seeks our help, we were once in their shoes.

How do you define success?

Success manifests itself in many ways. As a parent, success is seeing your kids being kind to someone who is powerless, exhausted, or vulnerable. As a business owner, it’s a recurring client. As a person, it’s when what you do is meaningful to you. As an artist, it’s looking at your own artwork and feeling that you’ve created something that surprises and interests you.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself doing exactly what I love, possibly for more French people, companies, and foundations in the US. It would be wonderful to interact and create in French in NYC and the US. I aim to keep selling my artwork, engaging in meaningful projects with people who value my creative input and knowledge of materials, and providing the best NY French touch I can. Additionally, I want to help younger artists figure out how to "make it," as I believe it’s our duty to give back.

What professional advice do you live by? 

Before an important meeting, when I feel tense, I say to myself, "I am not stressed, I am excited." It generally works. 

What advice would you give to your younger self or someone just starting in your industry?

If I could speak to my younger self, I would say: "The skill you are learning to reproduce any color on your own will bring you opportunities around the world." Also: "Don’t be shy—call that person. You won’t bother them. They will be happy to be interrupted by a call from an ambitious artist."

Thank you, Stephanie!

You can find Stephanie online at: