Meet Molly Stahl | Artist & Urban Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Stahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly, is there something you believe many others might not?
I remember when I was younger it was common advice to stick with one thing, focus, and get really good at that one particular thing. That’s never been something I agree with. My joy in my work comes from trying new things and experimenting. When I create art from a medium I’ve never tried it’s such a beautiful feeling. I strive to make every day with my work different which in turn allows my work to grow.

It took so many years to realize that this way of working is okay. Not sitting there day after day focusing on one medium, but instead constantly learning new skills that I can combine and develop. I always think of the quote “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”, and wish that I had known the whole phrase when I was younger.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I should start by saying I have always loved art but I have not always had the confidence to put myself out there. I admire artists and creatives for being brave enough to do that. It truly takes courage and a lot of confidence. It took me most of my life to get to a point where I feel confident saying “I am an artist”. I always played it safe, studying art history, and then Urban Design. It wasn’t until the pandemic after working in an engineering firm, feeling exhausted by the monotony of sitting in front of a screen that I realized this is not the life that I want.

Being trapped in my small apartment in Charlotte, NC, during the start of the pandemic I dug out all of my art supplies and came across some carving tools that I had for years and barely touched. I sat there and started carving. It was the most liberating feeling I had felt in years. No pressure to please anyone but me. I took the carvings and started printing on paper and then textiles, really anything I could get my hands on. I even started sewing again. I made everyone in my building, block printed masks. People began reaching out from home asking if they could buy some of my work.

It was through that outpouring of support I was able to pursue this path. I have always struggled with putting my work out there, and I think as humans it is important to remember the effect kind words and gestures can have. My elementary art teacher, Mrs. Taggart, was one of the first people to reach out and still does with support and encouragement. It’s these small gestures that gave me the courage to take the leap into making art and consider myself an artist.

Soon after that, I moved back to upstate New York, ready to hunker down through the worst of the pandemic and I couldn’t be happier with that decision.

Block printing has grown into a creature of its own. I make custom pieces for weddings, posters for music, and even wallpaper patterns. But more than that I am able to create anything that gives me inspiration. My next project this season will be growing plants and naturally dying, block printing, and sewing my textiles. Perhaps clothing? Who knows.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I’m going to imagine it’s summer, because right now there is about a foot of snow outside, and I am really missing the sunshine. The first thing I would do is take them to Somewhere in Time Farm to pick up the freshest, and sweetest tomatoes I have ever had to make tomato sandwiches for a hike later in the day. We would walk up the farm road to Justine’s Just Breathe Yoga Studio, where my amazing friends teach yoga, and do a nice relaxing yoga class. With this being said they will do the yoga class and I will snack on all the fresh veggies we just got while showing moral support for their commitment to fitness.

Next, I would take them on a hike in the mountains, making sure to bring a swimsuit for when we get to the river for a nice cool dip. We would have a picnic in the forest, most likely sweaty and covered in bug bites (because we forgot bug spray), but hey it’s all about the experience. After all of this hard work, I’d bring them into town for a glass of wine at Sunshine Colony and a bite to eat. We’d head to Upward Brewery for dinner and sit outside under the stars around the bonfire.

Most days I’d fill with exploring the outdoors, dinners in the backyard, and searching the small town all around us. Maybe floating down the Deleware River and grabbing dinner at different small restaurants scattered through the hills. Summer in the Catskills is magical. The air smells fresh, the nights are cool, and even doing nothing is something.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my hometown, Livingston Manor, which is full of so much love and support from family, friends, and strangers. I spent most of my adult life far away, exploring and growing, but it wasn’t until I came home recently that I was able to grow creatively. This freedom to do this comes from the support of my community and I am so grateful to have been raised in a small town and had the opportunity to return and pursue this path.

Website: mstahldesigns.com

Instagram: mollyslittlesketches

Image Credits
Headshot: Justin Sutherland