Stephen Cohen

I am an artist from Springfield, NJ. I recently graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

I have a passion for finding discarded objects, and recycling them into paintings. To me, paintings are more interesting when there is a story behind the canvas itself. Once I notice a dent or a scratch, the painting starts to come to life. Imperfections drive all of us to transform, alter and create something beautiful.

Twisted trees comfort me; they remind me of all of us at our imperfect natural state. Their structure is so warped; yet their limbs always seem to sprout gorgeous organic leaves. The trunk grows, slants, takes unordinary turns and branches out in unpredictable directions. I paint people with that same mindset; lots of texture, unpredictable colors and much personality.

I use the phrase "Tunnel Vision" to describe my paintings of people who are alone. Though, there is difference between loneliness and being alone. Sometimes we could find ourselves in a crowded place amongst friends and still feel apart. I love drawing at cafes, parks, busses and public places and analyzing this feeling.

Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts