Stephen Rowe

Working from his studio in Los Angeles, CA, Stephen specializes in large-scale modern abstract paintings.

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Artist Biography

As an artist my work has drawn inspiration from the abstract expressionism and action painting. My work is unique to my hand, infused with my life experiences and distinctive artistic perspective. Born in Broken Hill, an isolated mining town in the Australian outback, influenced my vision and artistic expression. 

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My approach to art is informed by a diverse background in the arts, having been a professional classical ballet dancer for 17 years, as well as a professional actor and singer-songwriter. My experience in these various fields has given me a keen sense of movement, emotion, and storytelling, all of which inform my artwork.

With the canvas flat on the ground, it allows me to become connected with the work and to move in a way that feels like a dance. This approach is heavily influenced by my years in ballet and creates a powerful visual experience for the viewer. Using a drip technique combined with bold, contrasting colors results in dynamic and spirited compositions. 

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My paintings appear bright and colorful at first glance, but mixed within, one can see darker hues that lie beneath the surface. These darker colors represent the pain, loss, and struggle that I have experienced in my life. The brighter colors appear on the surface as a veil, hiding my inner turmoil and suggesting a happier exterior. Through my work, I am searching for happiness, finding beauty in the midst of my journey.

Overall, my artwork is a personal and unique take on the abstract expressionist style, infusing my own life and artistic outlook into each piece. This is a continuation of a long tradition of artists who have used their own experiences as inspiration for their artwork.

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Abstract expressionism, which emerged in the mid-20th century, was a movement that rejected representational art in favor of non-representational forms that emphasized emotion, gesture, and the physical act of painting itself. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Willem de Kooning, and Joan Mitchell pioneered this style, which became an important and influential movement in the history of modern art.

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My work builds on this tradition creating contrast that draws attention to the complex and multifaceted nature of human emotion. Moreover, my background in dance, acting, and music, as well as my use of the canvas as a stage, aligns my work with performance art, a genre that has become increasingly important in the art world.

In addition to the rich history of art practice that my work draws upon, it is also important to consider its place within the competitive landscape of the contemporary art world.

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As an artist, I am constantly competing for attention and recognition in a crowded and highly competitive field. However, my background in other fields, such as motocross, carpentry, and ballet, has instilled a competitive spirit in me and a drive to succeed. These qualities are reflected in my art, which is a deeply personal expression of my life and emotions.

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Coming from a lineage of carpenters, my trade has given me an innate sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is evident in the art. Similarly, my time spent in ballet has instilled in me a sense of discipline and dedication that is essential to any artistic pursuit. Meanwhile acting provided me with an outlet for expressing myself and exploring complex emotions, while music and songwriting have allowed me to escape reality and explore new creative avenues. All of these experiences have come together in my painting, which serves as a powerful outlet for my emotions in my continuous search for happiness. 

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My earlier art style, ‘abstract pointillism’ deploys a technique that involves the use of distinct dots arranged in a visual pattern. Requiring incredible patience and skill to execute, the end result is visually stunning. Vibrant abstract backgrounds with hidden messages of love, life, and family are set behind the veil of dots provoking mystery and intrigue, as if the messages are being protected by a mask. This technique is reminiscent of aboriginal art from my home, Australia, where intricate patterns are used to communicate sacred and personal stories.