Steven Morris —
Steven Morris is an award-winning American figurative abstract painter whose work bridges the realms of Abstract Expressionism, Primitivism, and Depth Psychology. Trained by a Marc Rouzens, a protégé of Mark Rothko and rooted in the artistic traditions of masters such as Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, and Nicolas Carone, his paintings delve into the primal and spiritual aspects of the human condition. With a focus on the juxtapositions that define our existence—part animal, part animated force—Steven’s work explores the tension and harmony found in these opposing forces, creating metaphors for being human.
Steven’s artistic journey began with formal studies under Marc Rouzens, a protégé of Mark Rothko, on Boston’s North Shore. He later earned his MFA from Temple University, Tyler School of Art, where he was mentored by Margo Margolis and immersed himself in the lineage of Abstract Expressionism. His decades-long career continues to be shaped by these influences, while his practice is enriched by his post-graduate studies in Jungian Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute with an emphasis on creativity and the humanities. Drawing from C.G. Jung’s archetypal path of individuation, Steven’s work reflects an exploration of the unseen, intuitive, and spiritual dimensions of human experience.
Steven’s paintings serve as an invitation for transformation—a breaking of bonds that allows the viewer to see anew. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi,” his work finds grace and divinity in imperfection, offering a deeper unfolding of meaning beyond surface-level perceptions. Each piece is a conversation between artist and viewer, designed to transport and evoke a cathartic journey within the intuitive self.
Painting from his studio overlooking Lopez Canyon Preserve in San Diego, Steven draws upon narratives of nature, intuition, and emotion to create work that expresses what words often cannot. His pieces invite viewers to embrace the gifts of imperfection, delve into fierce vulnerability, and expand their perspective of the world and their place within it. As Georgia O’Keeffe famously said, Steven’s art “paints something as it’s felt, not as it is,” seeking to illuminate the unseen forces that shape our shared humanity.
In addition to the galleries I show and sell work, my artwork exists in several private collections.
