The “extraordinary within the ordinary”

Steph Giera [Photo by Isabelle Victoria Photography]

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Posted March 18, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

From interesting artists comes interesting art.

From March 29 to April 13, the Shapot Art Gallery in Ocala will offer the “Embedded” solo exhibit of works by local artist Steph Giera. The premise of the show is articulated around a single and seemingly simple piece—a bed.

The show statement offers this: “Embedded” explores the profound emotional weight of the seemingly simple every-day object, the bed. Inspired by the thesis for her art history degree, Giera further delves into the subject with a concentration on its historical and autobiographical significance, while also challenging many essentialist theories. The bed is the location where most of us are born and where most of us will die. Where we sleep and wake. Where we have sex. A place we go when we’re sick to become healthy. Where we experience every emotion from trauma to pure joy. “Embedded” invites the viewer to engage with the extraordinary within the ordinary, and to rediscover the world anew.

“Art is a testament to the enduring human impulse to create, to understand and to transcend. It is expression, dialogue and it witnesses us,” Giera shared in her artist statement.

“My artistic practice is an ongoing interrogation of materiality and perception, making this show very dear to me as a student of history and an artist. Using a variety of mediums I trained with in college, I seek to make work that unveils the stories and complexities within everyday objects, such as the bed. ‘Embedded’ is based on my own personal experiences and a profound inquiry into the nature of form, space, time and, of course, most of all, sentiment,” she offered. “For me, this work is not a commodity but a catalyst for contemplation. It seeks to provoke, to question and to unsettle. This show is an invitation to engage with the world anew, to perceive the ordinary in extraordinary terms.”

Giera’s artist’s bio states that she “is a delightful paradox toting a Bachelor of Science in art history and critical theory all while decorated in ‘90s nostalgia. Picture a mind that can simultaneously dissect Derrida and design a killer marketing campaign. A survivor of the dial-up era, a reformed seminarian and a post-divorce renaissance woman, Giera approaches art with the fervor of a scholar and the meticulousness of a collector. Her work, spanning assemblage, soft sculpture, performance art and the resurrection of found objects, is a testament to her ‘split-brain’ genius, where creative chaos meets meticulous cataloging. As the founder of Extra Dirty Creative, she’s not just making art; she’s curating conversations, both within her exhibitions and the broader community. With a penchant for ephemera and a knack for storytelling, Giera transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary proving that intellectual rigor and a healthy dose of irreverence can coexist beautifully.”

The ”Embedded” exhibit will include a variety of mediums, such as photography, video art, installations, assemblages and interactive art. Giera will debut a special performance art piece on opening night. The opening reception will begin at 6 p.m. on March 29. The performance art will begin at 7:30 p.m. The evening will include music by DJ Pepito Von Dracula hors d’oeuvres by Graze & Prosper and Briar Patch Oven, with drinks from by Mutiny Ocala and the Floridian Mobile Bar. It is free to attend. The Shapot Art Gallery is located at 2318 NE 8th Road, Ocala.

On April 5, Giera will give a talk beginning at 1 p.m. that will include a screening of her short film performance followed by a lecture on performance art by her and videographer Tim Russell. The lecture will conclude with a Q & A. On April 13, at 2 p.m., the closing reception for “Embedded” will include a screening of the artist’s short film performance starting at 2:15 p.m., after which Giera will take questions.

To learn more about the art, the artist and the venue, the “Gazette” did an email Q&A with Giera and Jordan Shapot, the gallery owner and a noted artist in his own right.

STEPH GIERA Q&A
How did you come up with this theme?
The theme of beds has been a long-standing fascination for me, stemming from my thesis work in college where I explored their significance in art, history and philosophy. It wasn’t just an academic pursuit; it became a genuine obsession, driving my research for two years. Even after graduation, I couldn’t shake the pull of this intimate and sentimental subject. I’ve continued to explore beds in my work, and this show feels like a natural evolution of that deep dive, almost a continuation of my 2012 solo exhibition, which also centered on this theme.

Why did you use a variety of mediums?
My approach is driven by the concept, not a specific medium. I began my artistic journey in studio art, exploring everything from photography to installations, but my passion for art history and critical theory shaped my process. I don’t confine myself to one form; instead, I select the mediums that best serve the ideas I’m exploring. This varied approach allows me to fully dissect and present the multifaceted nature of my chosen themes. It’s a blend of creative expression and analytical inquiry, reflecting my background in both studio art and art history.

Can you reveal anything about the special performance?
My performance piece, titled ‘Putting it to Bed,’ is a deeply personal exploration of the complex emotions surrounding divorce. It’s a journey through grief and joy, those seemingly contradictory feelings that coexist in the aftermath of such a significant life change. Audience participation will be integral to the piece, as we collectively navigate the weight of letting go and the hope of moving forward. I’ll be physically engaging with the symbolic space of a marriage bed, using it as a vessel to express the struggle and ultimately, the release that comes with putting a chapter of life to rest.

Where were you born and raised?
I’m a Central Florida native, born in Gainesville and raised in Hernando. After completing my degree at Alfred University in upstate New York, I spent some time in Croatia before returning to settle in Ocala. Since 2013, I relocated back to the area I call home, residing in Gainesville, Dunnellon and Ocala, and developing a strong connection to the local community.

When did you first produce art?
Art has been a constant in my life. I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. I was incredibly fortunate to have a supportive network of family and mentors who nurtured my passion from a young age. That early encouragement led me to art magnet programs in middle and high school, specifically the Lecanto School of Art, where teachers like Ms. Baize and Connie Phillips were instrumental in helping me develop my AP portfolio and, ultimately, gain acceptance to Alfred University.

What else do you enjoy doing?
Outside of my art, I find joy in the outdoors, particularly sailing and kayaking, and I also love gardening and cooking. You’ll see a glimpse of that, along with my family, on my Instagram. Professionally, I recently sold my marketing agency, Kismet Creative, and launched a new venture— extradirtycreative.com— focused on creative marketing for vice industries. My team and I specialize in a range of dynamic sectors, including food and beverage, cannabis (CBD), adult entertainment, art and graffiti, beauty, alternative fashion, music and events.

JORDAN SHAPOT Q&A
How do you know Steph?
Steph and I met in high school. We attended the same school, which had a magnet-like art academy within the public-school setting. After many years went by, we reconnected and she invited me to participate in ‘Show Motel,’ a multi-faceted art exhibit that took place in the rooms of a local motel on Silver Springs Boulevard. We grew to be even better friends when she became my art assistant in preparation for my first solo art exhibit at the Brick City Center for the Arts in 2018. We have been tight ever since.

What prompted you to host this exhibit?
I wanted to give Steph a platform to exhibit her inspiring and deeply emotional personal work. She has been working in the commercial art sector for a long time now, but we rarely get a glimpse inside this brilliant woman’s mind. Her work needs to be seen.

Do you have a favorite piece in this show?
Although I am incredibly excited about all of the artwork for various reasons, I believe my favorite piece will be one I haven’t actually seen yet. Steph will be debuting a live performance art piece at 7:30 p.m. on opening night that I know is going to be ridiculously good. I am giddy to see her shine.

Where are you with your art?
I am in the middle of a couple of commissioned paintings and the planning stages of my next personal solo show. As an educator, I have started mentoring another local painter, which is going really well. I am also planning to roll out a few workshops for the public very soon.

What is next for the gallery?
We have some exciting exhibits coming up, including a few impactful solo shows as well as some fun group shows that will have public calls to artists. The next group show is called “Small Town Feel,” opening May 31, and it will feature miniature artworks from local and national artists. Look for a call to artists on the gallery’s social media pages. The gallery continues to host monthly open critiques every first Wednesday from 6-9 p.m., where community artists can bring artwork in and we critique it as a group in a casual and constructive environment. We are also about to start doing film nights that highlight art films, documentaries and foreign films. I have been really loving bringing people together over art. I feel it’s deeply important, but also a hell of a lot of fun!

To learn more, go to jordanshapot.com and extradirtycreative.com