Stephen Spartana

Artist's Biography

Stephen Spartana is an American photographic artist, who has enjoyed a 35 year career as a commercial photographer. His artwork researches different perspectives of the natural world, venturing at times to create images that are more fantasy then reality.

Born in 1954, art became important to Stephen at an early age with his interest in photography. He graduated in 1983 from the BFA Program in Photography at the Maryland Institute College of Art which introduced him to the work and philosophies of influential artists: Irving Penn’s quality of light; Cartier-Bresson’s composition, use of space, and "the decisive moment”; Pete Turner, who felt that the transparency was not the end product, but just the beginning; and lastly Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings of flowers and nature were a revelation, inspiring him to look closer at the hidden beauty of the natural world.

With Turner’s philosophy in mind, the chromes from Stephen’s early fine art show
in the 1990’s, became the starting point for his current studies. The interplay
of black & white figures overlaid with details of flowers created a blend of form and color. His intention both then and now, is to create a provocative image, a complex and dynamic blend that entices the viewer to look deeper. His current studies expand the use of natural elements to include landscapes during times of growth and decay. Prior use of mirrors has been replaced by the reflective surface of water, and patterns of leaves or sedimentary rocks naturally suggest intricate tattoos. His most recent series has used fall colors and rushing water as central themes. Stephen’s research utilizes a number of images which function in the same way that painters use brushes and paint palettes; his tools are a combination of various analog films mixed with digital media.

Stephen’s artwork is an extension of views of nature, humanity and our relationship to Earth. He believes strongly in a positive approach to life and our world, with the understanding that we, as stewards, have the responsibility of providing a better place for the next generation to thrive. He chooses to focus on the hidden beauty that surrounds us, encouraging the viewer to preserve our beautiful and fragile planet and “discover what time hides forever in plain sight”. *

*Richard Powers, The Overstory