Roderick Stevens

Internationally collected, award winning artist, Roderick E. Stevens II was handed his first set of oils at the age of seven and his love for painting was promptly born. Initially his works followed more abstract expression since well . . . he was only seven. In high school, he began exploring realism, and simultaneously discovered acrylics which seemed to better accommodate his impatient nature. Since then he has worked primarily in acrylics on wood panels and canvas.

Early on however, film making grabbed his attention, and cinematography became his career of choice, nudging painting to the status of ‘occasional hobby’ for many years. In 2004, a cataclysm of turmoil sent him back to the palette for some personal focus and his talents re-emerged. Since then he has traveled the country in art shows and galleries sharing his contemporary, photorealistic paintings, and has quickly garnering critical praise and numerous awards. Roderick elaborates “Most photo-realists use photography as a step towards painting, but for me, the painting is an extension of my love of photography, light, and optics.” Soon, Roderick also found himself exploring the wonder of mixed-media sculpture, assembling common household objects and building materials into larger than life, familiar icons of history and childhood.

“Lastly, I feel it is important for me to express my gratitude for having been given this gift. I am quite convinced it is a gift of abundance from God and the universe around me. I feel incredibly obligated to spread that wealth as it were, so I am always on the lookout for places to donate my works so that they might do others some good in some way.”

Roderick and his children live in a home they built with their own hands (with much reluctance and complaining on the part of the children and daughter Melissa’s boyfriend) in South Eastern Arizona. Besides being a lifetime dream of his to design and build a house, he was able to include a loft studio and stop painting in the kitchen, Melissa could now have room for her two puppies, and Roderick jr. could set up his drums in the garage . . . 30 feet from the house. Roderick’s gallery of work can be viewed at www.restevensart.com, and questions can be directed to [email protected], or (323)353-8202.