Stella Chang is a Taiwanese-American artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Born in San Jose, California, and shaped by her upbringing across the United States, Taiwan, and Canada, Stella’s work reflects her rich and diverse cultural heritage. She earned her BFA from New York University, where she studied under video art pioneer Peter Campus and celebrated painter Keith Mayerson.
Before returning to art, Stella spent nearly 20 years as a handbag and accessories designer. In 2011, she was named one of the to 35 handbag designers in New York City by Swarovski Crystal and Handbag Designer 101. In 2012, she received a letter of recognition from the legendary Anna Wintour. By 2015, Stella founded ModaRevise LLC, a New York-based design consulting agency that created seasonal collections for major brands like Coach, Kate Spade, BCBG, Rag & Bone, Macy’s, and Kohl’s.
In 2022, Stella’s career took an unexpected turn when the sudden onset of lupus ended her work in fashion. This profound life change reignited her first love—art. Using her creative practice as a means to process fear, frustration, and pain, Stella rediscovered her voice and purpose, channeling her experiences into deeply personal works.
Working with watercolor, digital illustration, and 3D printing, Stella creates autobiographical pieces that explore universal themes such as identity, resilience, and the complexities of life’s challenges. Her art captures the emotional nuances of navigating physical, mental, and cultural expectations.
In 2021, Stella began her licensing career when her paintings caught the attention of Janet Tava, then Chairwoman of the Jr. & Scholarship Committee of Salmagundi Art Club. Despite only having a handful of paintings, Janet introduced Stella to her own licensing agencies: Galaxy of Graphics and RIG. In 2023, she was signed by the prestigious UK-based fine art publishers Rosenstiels, who now license and distribute her work worldwide.
Stella currently serves as Chair of the Junior & Scholarship Committee at the Salmagundi Art Club in New York City. She also continues to train aspiring fashion designers for companies in the U.S. and Italy, blending her passion for mentorship with her commitment to art and creativity.
Statement:
My work explores the intersection of art and psychotherapy, using mixed media installations and figurative paintings to foster healing through an immersive experienc
At the core of my practice is the belief that creativity is a powerful curative force. My installations combine narrative painting, 3D printing, and glass elements to encourage reflection, healing, and catharsis. Drawing from personal trauma, I seek to build trust and empathy, connecting with universal themes of suffering, resilience, and survival.
Each project invites viewers into a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative, weaving together symbolic imagery, layered soundscapes, and sometimes original soundscape to inspire interaction and contemplation. These immersive spaces mirror therapeutic journeys, guiding participants through emotions such as grief, hopelessness, and healing while encouraging reflection on their own emotion landscapes.
Through this approach, I aim to expand the role of art as a transformative tool beyond clinical settings, making it accessible to all. By bridging the personal and the universal, I hope to spark meaningful dialogue, foster empathy, and support emotional growth across diverse audiences.