The power of symbols is universal! Art History has taught the world that certain symbols throughout history have been associated with religion, intellectual societies and burial rituals from one civilization to another. Meet  Stephen Gamson an artist whose work is being an “interpreter of symbols.†Whether using two-dimensional graphic shapes to describe figures, making the @ symbol with different hue combinations or making three-dimensional sculptures that depict human forms in primary colors, a viewer is usually intrigued by their meaning. The question is–what do these abstract, every day shapes mean? What really is the artist’s intent?
Well, the artist feels his work is a “version of modern-day hieroglyphics and that symbols supersede spoken language. They are there to communicate, educate and entertain us.â€
Stephen Gamson, thinks that Art is like a love affair. I share my ideas with the world hoping people will  embrace them.  Gamson also believes that artists should be  confident and believe in what they do.
At 17, inspired by a mentor, the artist began collecting art work on a shoe-string budget. Over the years, he amassed a collection comprised of Alexander Calder, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and many other contemporary masters.
He studied Business Management and Public Relations as an undergraduate, however, he could not deny his passion for being involved in the art world. While seeking even higher learning at Harvard, he studied Art History. Gamson is fully armed with credentials of an artist, an art collector and art dealer. Furthermore, he has relationships with museum curators, directors, and art collectors throughout the world. Apprenticing under other artists, he developed his own artistic style.
(Stephen Gamson in his studio at Jade Ocean)
After living and working in the arts community in Miami for the past sixteen years, Gamson finds pleasure in giving back to the community. His involvement and support with numerous charities has become an integral part of his art career as he donates both work and time to worthwhile causes. Stephen Gamson is the official artist for Miami’s 115th Birthday on July 24, 2011.
I asked the Artist to take me back to his childhood and recall his earliest memories pertaining to art. He told me about an art teacher named Roz Brown, who encouraged him by noting his natural ability to work with shapes and colors.  Also, the artist added that at a young age he could “identify with puzzles†and if viewers really look at Stephen Gamson’s work, they will see that the vastness of his pieces are comprised of high-chroma hues which are like puzzles and these fields of colors are either painted on canvas or are comprised of masonite cut-outs which he arranges into whimsical compositions.
Gamson says, “His art is for people to enjoy and interpret based on their own experiences, therefore there is no incorrect interpretation of his work. He feels grateful to be able to share his gift with the world by uplifting people and giving them positive energy.â€
Having visited over 40 countries and identifying a common denominator based on universally understood signage incorporating symbols became the catalyst for his unique style.
The artist has worked with Café Bustelo, Select Vodka, and The Monaco Grand Prix. Some of his well-known collectors include Russell Simmons, Sean Kingston, Justin Bieber, Olivia-Newton John, DJ Irie, The Mayor of Saratoga Springs in New York, The Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, Bacardi, Roger Watters of Pink Floyd, The City of Miami’s Art Collection, Lamborghini, and Prince Albert II of Monaco.
He has been featured in The Miami Herald, Art Basel Miami Beach Magazine, SoFi Magazine, Haute Living Magazine and others. I believe he is Miami’s artist of the future as we seem to go back in time when viewing his work.
LATEST NEWS
Gamson has been commissioned to paint a Gulfstream Jet for a private Miami collector.
He will be traveling to Italy next month to scope out the location for his show opening in 2012 in Capri. Â Stephen will also be working on a photography project incorporating his symbols while there.
His coffee table book will be sold at Epicure Market and other outlets very soon!
On July 7, he will be hosting an Art Workshop with children at the Headquarters of the American Cancer Society.
The artist designed the artwork for the Bacardi Cup 2011.
Stephen has also created a special print of his work to raise funds for The Humane Society of Greater Miami, please visit www.roccoandlucy.com to purchase a print for this worthy cause!
He also contributed artwork for Olivia Newton-John’s charity http://www.pinkandbluefortwo.com/ which emphasizes Breast and Prostate Cancer screening for couples.
Coming soon: Â Stephen will be launching an E-commerce Website which showcases a range of Gamson collectibles.
GALLERIES
(a sample of galleries which represent the artist)
Frank Pictures Gallery in Los Angeles,
Seth Jason Beitler in Wynwood, Miami,
H.W. Gallery in Naples, Florida.
The White Wall Gallery, Orlando.
CONTACT
Website:
Facebook Fan Page:
Studio: studio@gamsonart.com
Phone: 1-877-542-6766
The artist is available to discuss projects and commissions.
–Cecilia Paz
