Stephen Von Mason’s story begins in South Bend, Indiana, where a childhood filled with sketches of rodeo riders and football stars laid the groundwork for a career shaped by movement, memory, and meaning. Born in 1954, Von Mason’s early fascination with dynamic subjects evolved into a deeper commitment to storytelling through art. After earning his BFA in printmaking from the John Heron School of Art, he continued his studies at the San Francisco Art Institute, where he received his MFA and expanded his vision through experimental techniques and mixed media. Today, his practice is rooted in assemblage—using materials like wood, glass, and found objects to reflect on African American history, resilience, and cultural identity. With a background as both artist and educator, Von Mason brings personal experience, academic discipline, and cultural insight into every piece he creates. In this interview, he discusses his process, the weight of history, and the emotional truths behind his work.
Here is the artist’s interview.
1. What is your creative process like?
My creative process is deeply intuitive, blending historical research, storytelling, and material exploration. I often begin with a concept rooted in African American history or culture, reflecting on untold narratives and overlooked perspectives. I gather materials that evoke a sense of time and place—metal, wood, glass, and found objects—which I repurpose to construct visual metaphors. Assemblage allows me to layer meaning, where each object contributes to the larger narrative. I immerse myself in the lives of historical figures, like Major Taylor, whose story of triumph and resilience inspired “Codifying Jim Crow: Deconstructing Reconstruction.” As I build the composition, I listen to the materials and let the narrative guide the arrangement. The process is organic, sometimes surprising, but always intentional.
2. Do any personal experiences shape your work?
Absolutely. My personal journey as an African American artist, educator, and storyteller is deeply woven into my work. Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, and later studying at the San Francisco Art Institute, I developed a profound appreciation for the power of visual storytelling. I witnessed firsthand the importance of preserving cultural narratives that might otherwise be forgotten. My years as an eighth-grade art teacher taught me the value of empowering future generations through art. Additionally, my role as an artisan in museums and galleries has given me a unique perspective on how history is preserved and interpreted. These experiences drive my commitment to honoring the resilience, beauty, and complexity of the African American experience through my art.
3. What challenges do you face as an artist?
One of the greatest challenges I face is navigating the balance between creating work that speaks authentically to my cultural vision while also finding platforms that fully embrace and uplift those narratives. The art world can be selective, often overlooking stories that challenge mainstream narratives. Additionally, working with assemblage and mixed media presents its own technical challenges—finding the right balance between structure and symbolism while ensuring that the materials work harmoniously together. But I embrace these challenges as opportunities to push boundaries and expand the conversation around African American history and culture.
4. What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
I want viewers to feel a sense of discovery, reflection, and reverence. My goal is to create art that not only educates but also evokes an emotional response—a visceral connection to the struggles, triumphs, and perseverance of those who came before us. With “Codifying Jim Crow: Deconstructing Reconstruction,” I want people to confront the harsh realities of systemic oppression while also recognizing the resilience and brilliance of figures like Major Taylor. I hope that my work inspires dialogue, encourages empathy, and fosters a deeper understanding of the African American experience.
Stephen Von Mason creates art that asks us to slow down and look deeper—at history, at struggle, at resilience. His assemblages are layered with meaning, built from memory, and guided by intuition. Through his work, he shines a light on untold stories and challenges us to engage with history in a personal, tactile way. Whether inspired by Major Taylor or drawn from his own experiences, Von Mason’s pieces are crafted to start conversations and stir emotions. In a world quick to overlook complexity, his art stands as both witness and invitation—a call to remember, reflect, and respond.
