Stewart Stephenson
Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery
Kiss My Sass
Vancouver, May 1 to June 1
Stewart Stephenson was born in London, Ontario in 1966. Although arts played a dominant role throughout his life, he never received formal training. In 2011, this Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist barreled into the Vancouver visual art scene with his unique perceptions and vivaciously joyful expressions of colour and light. Working within a diverse range of styles, Stephenson allows his emotional response to his surrounding to influence and guide his projects.
Currently Stephenson is immersed in a project that he holds very close to his heart. The show entitled Kiss My Sass, will feature works from his Flower Sass Series, taking these whimsical flowers to incredible heights and depths. Art is known to play a key role in promoting a safe and calming environment for those during the healing process. This is the reasoning behind Stephenson’s choice of his Flower Sass Series to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. A fundraising event will be held at the Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery at 1300 Robson Street on May 1st. Stephenson is also donating net proceeds of the sales of designated Sass paintings to support the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.
Stephenson addresses the traditional floral scene with a vibrant and playful approach in his Flower “Sass” Series. He prompts the viewer to pause and look at the beauty of daily life with a slight smile. In his efforts to create a positive synergy with in his work, Stephenson blurs the line of what we know and what we believe. Although seemingly quite simple, they demand a complex appreciation from the viewer, as one is left with a sense of warmth and well-being. Stephenson focuses on movement created with intense colours and bold lines in hopes to transcend the ordinary and move from the certain to the unbounded. Viewing his work is like stepping into another world, one that is light and full of laughter. A beautiful moment without traffic, deadlines or crowds; a moment to yourself. Stephenson maintains, “I conscientiously put forth an effort to produce art which visually establishes a positive relationship with the viewer. If I have aroused an emotion from the viewer, be it curiosity, wonder, pleasure or even humor, then I feel I have done my job as an artist.”
After experimenting with various finishes, Stephenson developed a unique system of applying hand-laid high gloss resin, resulting in a flawless museum quality finish. The glossy surface encourages the viewer’s interaction, prompting them to get up close and personal with the art. By adding this glass-like surface to his work, Stephenson delivers paintings in a non-traditional manner to test the boundaries of viewer’s perspectives and perceptions.
About The Gallery: Opening its’ doors in December 2012, Stewart Stephenson Modern Art Gallery has become a hub for all things vibrant and funky in the Vancouver art scene. Focusing on exhibiting innovative original works by local contemporary artists, the gallery displays up to 200 local works at any given time. The gallery is operated by Stewart Stephenson and his wife Rebecca Stephenson, Gallery Director, and is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
For more information on this artist or the upcoming exhibition please visit us at 1300 Robson Street www.stewartstephenson.com
