Aaron Stansberry, born 1978 in Portland, OR, is an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist living in the Pacific Northwest. His most recent works come in a variety of mediums, including a mix of calligraphic and abstract paintings, as well as landscape photography.
Aaron’s interest in calligraphy dates back to his earliest memories of learning how to write. Inspired by the long looping letters and fluidity of his parents’ signatures, he filled countless notebooks trying to create his own unique style, which is still evident today. A lifetime of love for music, poetry, graffiti, and typography has given rise to Aaron’s current series of multi-layered calligraphic paintings. The intention of this series is to capture the curiosity of his viewers by inscribing, in layer after layer of oil and wax, the words that have made an impact on his life. Through careful examination, you may discover these quotes, lyrics, and phrases, which will hopefully elicit some of the same emotions that went into creating each piece. Since we can all relate a song to a particular experience or period in our lives, it’s easy to connect to this body of work.
Aaron’s abstract work is a minimalistic expression of the years he has spent near the Pacific Coast. His usual monochromatic palette of blacks, whites, and blues give his audience a sense of calm in a chaotic world. Though soft and minimal in tone, his paintings are not without a “punch in the face” of texture. Aaron primarily uses palette knives instead of brushes, which lend an added depth and palpable quality to his work.
Living in Tokyo, Japan in 2007, Aaron bought his first camera at the age of 28. In the past seven years he has honed in his skills through self-education and countless evenings of practice behind the lens. Today he is using his artistic eye and long exposure techniques to capture his surroundings, giving his photos a dramatic, ethereal beauty. His current work is a continued series of Pacific Coast shots, including beaches, piers, rock formations, waterfalls, and evening skies. Many of Aaron’s paintings have also been influenced by his photos… giving way to the fact that his work in both mediums have developed a symbiotic relationship.
Aaron’s work has been featured in a number of national and international publications, a feature film, and is currently on display at hotels, commercial lobbies, galleries, and private residences throughout the world. Whether in his Portland or Los Angeles studio, or behind the lens on location, Aaron works under the notion that nothing is off limits.
