Myron Stephens

Myron Stephens is an artist who appreciates life and the gifts that he has been given. His work reveals this appreciation as an extension of himself, an unfolding of his experiences, and an opportunity to share his enjoyment of life with the viewer “The method of creating each painting is just as important, if not more, than the subject. My work is not conceived and then simply painted, but it is more of a process. It is a dialog of past, present, and future. Conversations with my wife and friends often show up in my work, along with nostalgic American iconography, and contemporary imagery often painted from photographs I’ve taken along the way. This iconography, along with a distinct play on words, presents a sense of individualism, creating a style that is distinctly his own. Adult themes against everyday backdrops include messages scribbled in double entendre that contrasts mature subject matter with playful elements. The result is an ability to share his personal mythology and create a new world with every layer placed on the canvas. Stephens is known for his trompe l’oeil “trick-the-eye” super-realism, as represented by the oil and acrylic illusion. His unique style has evolved over the years. Stephens’ work ranges from baroque, to surreal, to most recently, urban and rural landscapes with vintage signs painted over graffiti backgrounds, and super-real trompe l’oeil chalkboards. Stephens’ art has real appeal; it is simultaneously funny, edgy, and smart. His themes are poignant and thought provoking. Stephens uses humor and universal images to evoke the viewer’s sense of nostalgia, allowing each viewer to make his or her own personal connection with each piece. The ideas Stephens conveys within each painting are positive messages, learned from his own personal experiences and shared with the viewer through his work.