Stephen Von Mason’s journey into the world of art began in his early years in South Bend, Indiana. Born in 1954, he was a creative child who found joy in sketching rodeo riders and football stars. Those early subjects, brimming with energy and movement, marked the start of a lifelong dedication to capturing vibrant moments and the spirit of individuality on canvas. By high school, his passion had deepened, and he was determined to pursue a professional career in the arts.
After high school, Stephen’s commitment to art became a structured pursuit. He was accepted into the John Heron School of Art in Indianapolis, where he focused on printmaking and earned a BFA. This environment allowed him to dive into techniques and skills that would serve as the foundation for his future work. However, he felt the need to expand his artistic understanding and technical expertise even further. This urge to grow led him west, where he applied to the San Francisco Institute of Art. Accepted on a scholarship, Stephen completed his MFA in printmaking, marking a significant step in his journey.
One of Stephen’s recent works, Thelma Golden, is an oil on canvas piece that embodies his appreciation for individuals who shift cultural landscapes and challenge norms. The artwork, sized at 24 by 30 inches, portrays Thelma Golden, a respected figure in contemporary art and the director and chief curator of the Studio Museum of Harlem. Through this portrait, Stephen captures not only her likeness but the transformative spirit she represents. Golden has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of African American and diasporic artists, reshaping the museum experience and inspiring other curators, artists, and institutions worldwide. In Stephen’s piece, this role of championing underrepresented voices comes through, depicting Golden as both an individual and a symbol of resilience and innovation.
Stephen’s technique in Thelma Golden reflects his printmaking background. His experience with textures and layering is apparent in how he constructs her figure, utilizing oils to capture not just her appearance but her influence. There is a subtlety in the details, showing his technical skill while keeping the essence of the portrait straightforward and powerful. The painting draws viewers to consider Golden’s impact on the arts while also inviting them to think about the broader cultural shifts she represents.
Throughout his career, Stephen’s work has focused on people who make a difference. His background in printmaking has heavily influenced his approach to portraits, particularly in his layering techniques and eye for texture. Stephen has an eye for not just capturing likeness but for revealing layers of character, something he’s been honing since his days in art school. This approach allows him to translate the subject’s inner qualities onto canvas in ways that resonate with viewers.
In many of his other works, Stephen returns to themes of human resilience and the spirit of individuality. His past subjects have ranged from iconic athletes to everyday people, yet each is treated with the same dedication. He approaches each canvas as an exploration, uncovering the unique qualities that make each individual stand out. The attention to detail he employs in each piece reflects his printmaking roots, where precision and careful composition were essential.
Stephen’s journey also reflects his commitment to growth and adaptation. As a student in San Francisco, he was exposed to new movements and ideas that broadened his perspective. The city’s vibrant arts scene allowed him to explore different cultural influences, which are evident in the nuanced, sometimes unconventional approaches he takes with his subjects. This background has helped him create work that feels both familiar and fresh, rooted in tradition yet attuned to the contemporary moment.
By choosing Golden as his subject, Stephen highlights his own values of celebrating those who use their platforms to uplift others. This painting, like much of his work, invites viewers to consider the subject’s influence and the broader narratives within the art world.
Stephen’s art career has been shaped by both his early years in Indiana and his time in art institutions, but it’s his unwavering focus on individuality and strength that gives his work its distinct voice. Today, his work continues to reflect his core interests—people, and the power of individuality. Stephen remains committed to capturing the essence of his subjects, whether they’re cultural icons or figures from everyday life.
In his studio, Stephen’s process is much the same as it was when he started: focused, intentional, and always evolving. Each new piece is an opportunity to reflect on the subjects he respects, those who stand as beacons in their fields, and those who bring change. Stephen Von Mason’s work, at its heart, remains an exploration of the human experience, filled with depth and simplicity, creating portraits that are both intimate and inspiring.
