Meet Stephen Wilson | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, what makes you happy? Why?
When I’m able to dive into my creative ventures, whether it’s painting, skating, or playing the piano, I feel truly fulfilled. I’m a genuine creative, and exploring these activities and others makes me happy because they’re ways I express myself and connect with who I really am. There’s pure joy in the process of creating something new, and I love how these activities pull me completely into the present moment, where I feel most alive and authentic. Growing up, I’ve always been the quiet one in the family and often had a difficult time expressing myself. Art has served as a way for me to not only get some of my more complex emotions out but also to connect with others around me. What makes me the happiest in this world are two things: Creating and connecting with others through my creations. Being able to relate and bond over a shared experience that someone may see in my art or even just understanding someone else’s experiences is a privilege that I am grateful to be able to take part in. All thanks to art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
About My Art:
As an artist, I am continually drawn to the beautifully strange and hauntingly unconventional. Through my surreal work, I strive to explore the depths of the human mind, capturing the ethereal essence beneath our everyday surface. Since childhood, I have been captivated by the complexities of the mind, the intricacies of dreams, and the often-overlooked connections between reality and fantasy. What makes my work unique is this deliberate dance between the familiar and the fantastical. I combine recognizable elements with otherworldly visions to create visual dialogues that challenge perception. Each piece invites viewers to step into an alternate dimension where identity and emotion are fluid, unbound by the limits of the physical world.

My Journey:
My journey hasn’t been easy. Breaking into the art world while creating work that challenges traditional categories meant facing rejection from galleries that couldn’t categorize my surreal style. I overcame these obstacles by staying true to my vision and seeking out spaces that valued unconventional voices, which is why galleries like Perri + Ren are so meaningful to me. They understand that art should provoke, not just soothe. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that vulnerability in art is actually a form of strength. The more I was willing to reveal the strange, dreamlike worlds of my imagination, the more my work connected with others.

What I Want the World to Know:
Ultimately, my goal is to connect with viewers on a personal level, encouraging them to explore their own inner worlds. I hope my work sparks curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of the mysterious nature of the self. Through the fantastical realism of my art, I aim to remind everyone of the endless possibilities within our own minds, waiting to be uncovered. Art should act as a mirror to the soul, even when that reflection is unexpected.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One thing that I’ve really come to love and appreciate about LA is the never-ending list of things to do. Whenever I have a friend come and visit, it’s never a struggle figuring out where to take them. For food, it’s hard to pick one, but I would definitely take them to The Win-dow if we wanted something quick, and if we wanted to sit down at a restaurant, then Fannies (located in the Academy Museum). A favorite activity of mine, in particular, is roller skating, which LA always seems to have events for. I would take them to Moonlight Rollerway or Venice Beach to hang out and skate. For a night out, I would show them Lost DTLA or Apt 200. Lastly, I would show them The Last Bookstore so they have something to read on the flight home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Perri + Ren Gallery, an art space that highlights and amplifies the art of BIPOC and marginalized artists. This gallery plays an important role in creating opportunities and increasing visibility for voices that have traditionally been underrepresented in the art world. As someone passionate about creative expression, I truly appreciate spaces like this that emphasize equity and inclusion in the arts. They’re building community, encouraging dialogue, and driving meaningful change by making sure that systemic barriers don’t limit artistic expression.

Website: https://evzyart.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evzy.la

Image Credits
Lifestyle photo taken by Tirrea Billings.