Stephanie PYREN-fORTEL:
CLASS OF 1968
Grover Cleveland High SchoolClass of 1968
Reseda, CA
Stephanie's Story
I have had an Fellini type life since HS. I had my first art show at 18, received my BA in fine arts CSUN, UCLA for additional studies.My career has been diverse, . fashion illustrator 45 years in animation most either full time and or freelance , metaphysics as an instructor and assistant in regressions,meditations and classes, teacher, toy designer, illustrator.While working at Filmation Studios,At this time I started taking classes with Frank Hevesy, an international know energist,healer, psychic, my life's mentor. I became his assistant for over 9 years, life lessons I cherish and still use today.With Frank,we lived in many places, The old Desert Sands Casino, across from the dinosaurs for 3 years . I was told by a dear friend,at that time, also physic, my destiny was in France. this was in 1979. We became friends with the Cabazon Indians ( many stories there) We Moved to SC continuing the work, appearing on TV shows and lectures .At this time I still had illustration jobs , taught life drawing, fashion illustrating, window display solo art shows. However, prior to his passing, Frank sent me to Europe to experience all the countries. I moved back to Calif, back to the studios, I still needed to paint., I was working on Ghost Busters when I quit and was hired to work in BH coping old masters. I was asked to move to France in Barbizon, to help recreate the Barbizon school of art. which I did. My parents stayed at my home and watched my cat and dog until I knew for sure I would be staying there. Not easy my Jr high French didn't help. While in France, I was asked to go to Bangkok for a studio to teach background paintings for Tiny Toons for an extended studio for 3 weeks, while there, I met Thorelief B. the owner of the Norwegian shipping line who said he would fly his jet to come see me when I returned to Los Angels. Meanwhile back in France, Bernard, my future husband was buying my art. in Barbizon. We had 5 dates with a dictionary, and I flew back to LA. Bernard flew to see me for a visit. Thorlief ,He called me twice but the second week I was getting married. Bernard jokes that I should have married Thorlief but I told him I like challenges and besides would his money make my career or...Expand for more
would I? ) MY mother spoke fluent french (thanks to Frank )(another story) so it was easy for Bernard. I took him to my psychic friend who told him he would remarry , he proposed on the freeway ,we shared a bottle of Dom Perignon at Universal Sheraton, got married in a week at my aunts, put him on a plan and I flew back with my cat.I met my in laws ,no one spoke English but through pantomime and doodles we made it! My parents were able to visit us where we went all through France, Belgium for them, My parents and in-laws hit it off! especially since my mother spoke like a native! I was in bliss living in France! Food, travel, wine,my mother in law had a 2 acre garden and was a classic chief! we are now married for 31 yrs back to Calf ,WB asked me to move... I did not want to come back... but Bernard wanted to and in the long run it was a good move.Me, back to. animation again more copying masters, illustrated children's books designed toys for major companies, and have done 5 murals in France and LA,: more art shows 21 now, Bernard was helped by Jim Haverland (our classmate) get his green card for work as a specialized plumber. Bernard picked up English , worked with Jim and his brothers on their new homes, later in Beverly Hills as a European craftsman and interior designer building contractor. .Bernard had totally renovated our home in Northridge when the market sank, we were underwater so we were deciding to move back to France, now we are both dual citizens which helps. The home we were to be in fell through, the owner changed his mind... so now we are in Jacksonville Fl. another world, how long? I have no children, Bernard has 3 and now 6 grand kids. His children either lived or stayed with us while we were in Calif.. A lot of stories in between, animals, travels, every year we would be somewhere , the money was good then. We have both lost our parents. We have been married for 31 years, still need a dictionary at times... Ups downs and stuff such is life but! We hope to travel next year and lif bis now beginning, my french is still horrible
As for my art, I now belong to the Jacksonville artist guild , and American pen-women,
I do have a webiste under my name. not allowed to post here.
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Reunions
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