About Stephen
Baltimore County
Spartana creates abstractions or surreal landscapes, where his subjects appear and then fade through spatial dimensions. The viewer is guided on a visual journey through the familiar into unfamiliar environments, layered like scrims of fabric, seamlessly transitioning between organic and inorganic elements. Similar to a dream, the work’s shifting perspectives represented by fluid environmental elements, suggests life’s shifting realities and constant change. His current research utilizes a… more
Jump to a project:
Interwoven
In this series Spartana creates dreamlike landscapes by combining the human form with multiple organic elements. It continues a concept from his earlier study, “Human-Nature,” which explored the interplay of black and white forms overlaid with details of flowers. Here, he expands the use of natural elements to include landscapes and details of nature during times of growth and decay.
Spartana says they are “like the strata of memories. The mirrored surface of water reflects skylight into a hidden hollow, revealing something new, yet familiar. The patterns of leaves or sedimentary rocks naturally suggest intricate tattoos. These compositional layers of elements give the viewer reason to look closer, to see beneath the surface. The interplay between the human form, organic elements, and the landscape create incredible beauty for me, as they are intertwined on earth, coexisting as one. We are of the earth, and how we treat our environment affects all of us.”
Spartana says they are “like the strata of memories. The mirrored surface of water reflects skylight into a hidden hollow, revealing something new, yet familiar. The patterns of leaves or sedimentary rocks naturally suggest intricate tattoos. These compositional layers of elements give the viewer reason to look closer, to see beneath the surface. The interplay between the human form, organic elements, and the landscape create incredible beauty for me, as they are intertwined on earth, coexisting as one. We are of the earth, and how we treat our environment affects all of us.”
-
Leaves in Fall.jpgSeries is about nature, textures and the transition through time. The human element is man's influence on nature.
-
Seasons Change.jpgMulti-layered image that combines both digital and analog images printed on bamboo paper.
-
Rooted.jpgMulti-layered image that combines both digital and analog images printed on bamboo paper.
-
In Blue.jpgMulti-layered image that combines both digital and analog images printed on bamboo paper.
-
Redwood.jpgMulti-layered image that combines both digital and analog images printed on bamboo paper.
-
Water Dream.jpgLonely figure layered with beautiful reflections of fall trees on the surface of the water, almost as if they are pieces of fabric.
-
Spinal Drip .jpgThe beautiful layering of seasons within a human figure, using an icicle as structure of the human form.
-
Hug.jpgSeries is about nature, textures and the transition through time. This image also shows unity and love.
-
Fall Transitions.jpgSeries is about nature, textures and the transition through time. Timeless qualities to the seasons despite mans interference.
-
Moss .jpgSeries is about nature, textures and the transition through time.
Human Nature
A earlier body of work layering images of human figures and flowers done in analog, concentrating on strong colors and composition. The work is a complement to the macro flower paintings of artist Georgia O'Keefe. Her work was my inspiration and the beginning of the study that I'm doing today.
-
Surrounded.jpgSoft blend of an form , hands sweeping the body encased in the flow of a petal.
-
Petel Wear.jpgLayered flower petal and human figure combined on analog media, so Georgia O'Keefe
-
With Wings.jpgAnother of my analog images that layer flowers and figures that are a tribute to Georgia O'Keefe.
-
Iris.jpgMarry a photo of an Iris with a human torso done with B&W film and polaroid color film.
-
Pirouette.jpgPlay of shapes and textures caused by using color polaroid film and infra-red B&W film.
-
Hug1.jpgC flower petal close-up forms the backdrop to a woman in a man's embrace.
-
Stillness.jpgBody floating as if in deep dream floating through space and time.
-
Flight.jpgAnother in a series of human figures blending with tight flower photographs.
Intertwined
In my work I attempt to create fanciful landscapes by combining the human form with multiple natural scapes. The interplay of black & white forms overlaid with details of flowers take on the function of strata. I’ve expanded the use of natural elements to include scenes of nature during times of growth and decay. The natural reflective surface of water creates amazing mirrors of the world they reflect. Recently I’ve become intrigued with tattoos and body painting and found that the patterns of leaves or sedimentary rocks naturally suggest intricate tattoos. These compositional layers of elements give the viewer reason to look closer, to see beneath the surface. For me the interplay between the human form, organic elements, and the landscape create incredible beauty, as they are intertwined on earth, coexisting as one.
My artwork is an extension of views of nature, humanity and our relationship to Earth. I 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. I focus on the beauty that surrounds us, encouraging the viewer to preserve our beautiful and fragile planet. The images are achieved by combining analog infra-red B&W images with digital shots made with Nikon D5.
My artwork is an extension of views of nature, humanity and our relationship to Earth. I 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. I focus on the beauty that surrounds us, encouraging the viewer to preserve our beautiful and fragile planet. The images are achieved by combining analog infra-red B&W images with digital shots made with Nikon D5.
-
Inter-twined.jpgThe layering of a figure with the profile of a lilly, the image in which the series is based upon.
-
Iris Enclosed.jpgLayered image using analog infra-red B&W with digital nature images.
-
Sleeping on Rock.jpgLayered image using B&W infra-red analog film and digital nature images.
-
Orchid Within.jpgHuman figure as a vehicle for a blooming orchid.
-
Venice Ghost.jpgLayered image using B&W infra-red analog film and digital nature images.
-
Statue.jpgLayered image using B&W infra-red analog film and digital nature images.
-
Imbedded Orange.jpgLayered images of figures and nature, in this case flowers and stone are used to create textures.
-
In Pieces.jpgLayered figure with rock and flower textures as a metaphor for time and space.
-
Reaching Out.jpgFlower layered with a figure in a dream like setting.
-
Stones.jpgBlending of a figure in the stones along the water. The layering of form fitting like pieces of a puzzle.