About the Artist
Stephen Paul Connor Born Lansing, Michigan, 1954 Lives and works in Austin, Texas Education 1976 BFA, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York Solo & Group Exhibitions 2020 Fort Worth Community Art Center with Artists 916 2019 Georgetown Arts Center with Artists 916 2013 Today is Tomorrow, Canopy, Austin, TX 2009 Abstract Art Now, Scarborough Building, Austin, TX The Cobra Show, Cobra Studios, Austin, TX 1999 States of Mind, Austin Coalition of Artists at Guadalupe ArtPlex, Austin, TX 1985 Stephen Connor, San Mateo Civic Center, San Mateo, CA 1976 New Work, Pratt Institute Main Gallery, Brooklyn, NY Professional Experience Currently I am working with the ACC Game development program, on collaborative game projects developing 3D art assets. 2012 – present Instructor, deep 4d, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects, Unity game engine, 3ds Max, Z Brush 2011 – present Corporate Instructor, Sterling Ledet and Associates, 3Ds Max and Adobe Design Software 2007 – present Adjunct Instructor, ITT Technical Institute, Design 2009 – 2012 Multimedia and Art Instructor, Austin School of Film 2008 – 2012 Multimedia and Art Instructor, Austin Museum of Art 2010 Photoshop Instructor, Austin Art in Public Places Program 2009Design Instructor, New Horizons 2002 – 2006 Multimedia Instructor, ITT Technical Institute
Artist Statement
Abstract art is impersonal, expressed in movements such as a burst, glow, swipe, or something falling. This is my subject; but it is more than a subject, it is both the action of generating the art, as well as the outcome.Ideas and sensations initiate action during the painting event; the actions taken during the processes of creating evoke further expression. Once a foundational concept is established, making art happens fairly quickly. The entire process is considered a success when the art evokes states in the viewer somewhat similar to those experienced by the artist.There are two modalities in creating my art: one is looking inward, and the other, outward. They both seem endless in potential. When the two meet at the center the art suggests the infinite. It helps the appreciation experience if the viewer can free themselves of seeing representational forms in the work, and instead, see the art directly, without interpretation. My art mirrors the experience of the human psyche. It is made by moving with freedom, and this is why we can relate to it. It reflects inner states, without representation; a statement of what is, in a moment.It also helps the understanding of my art to reflect on our bi-lateral symmetry, our conditional duality (head above and body below) subject to gravity, our proprioception (the internal sense of our body in space.) This is my actual subject, while the flowing paint or manipulated digital media ideally reflect that in real-time.The duality of a box or light above and a burst or another box below refer to duality: consciousness/light/awareness and conflict/separation/energy. The underlying grid is the ever-present, and systematized, human activity. I am not attempting to invent anything new. Art for me is timeless; or if anything, receding back in time rather than forward.
Stephen Paul
Connordeep4d@gmail.com