Meet Don Stephens: artist, instructor, and visionary
Welcome to the world of Don Stephens Art, where creativity blossoms and expression knows no bounds. Learn about the artist behind the brush, his journey, and the philosophy that guides his impactful work and teaching.
From inspiration to canvas: Don's artistic journey
For Don Stephens, art is life, and creativity lives in the soul. He stands by the belief that "Perfection is a lie; repetition is the truth." This philosophy has fueled his journey from Art & Design High School NYC (87’) to Temple University Tyler School of Art (BFA 95’). A proud veteran of the USMC reserves (96’), Don has become a prominent Delaware Valley-Philadelphia based artist and instructor. His creative reality is a captivating dance between subjective and objective realms, dedicated to conveying aspects of the current human condition.
Teaching philosophy: repetition for true expression
As an independent artist instructor, Don has shared his passion and expertise with numerous art centers and organizations throughout the Philadelphia Tri-State area, including Perkins Art Center, Markiem Art Center, and Center of the Arts of Southern NJ. He also contributes to Philadelphia Corporation of the Aging and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation-Mural Art of Philadelphia Programs. Don's core message to his students is clear: "Perfection is a lie, and repetition is the true path to truth and expression." He hopes his students gain a profound understanding that consistent practice unlocks their creative potential, fostering genuine and powerful artistic voices.
The distinctive style of Don Stephens Art
Don's artwork stands out through its innovative approach to the visual world. He uses it as a template for creativity, forming the foundation of his non-objective to objective practice. By employing the elements of design—line, shape, form, light, and surface—he creates formal keys to abstract imagery. Utilizing materials at hand, Don constructs a chaotic mesh of color and mark, energizing the surface and engaging the viewer’s eye. Within his content, his intent is to bind mark and color to emotion, as "expressing the human condition remains the ultimate destination along the creative highway I have chosen." His works have been displayed throughout the Mid Atlantic Regional Art Arenas and are part of the Permanent Collection at Cheyney University Atlanticare Corp, earning him a Certificate of International Merit from the Luxembourg Prize.
"Art is life and creativity lives in the soul. Perfection is a lie, repetition is the truth."
Don Stephens