Stephen was most recently selected to exhibit in the second Ballinglen Biennial International exhibition 2025 in Ireland and the Honolulu New Painting Invitational, 2023, in Hawaii. He has exhibited in major Museum shows and is recognized for his unique approach to painting and teaching. He had the privilege to study under Samia Halaby the visionary Palestinian artist and recent winner of the Munch Award while an undergraduate at the University of Hawaii. After earning his degree in painting he found work assisting the celebrated ceramist Viola Frey in Oakland, California alongside his close friend and sculptor Sam Perry. In graduate school he studied under thesis advisor and painter Ted Kurahara as well as professors Marjorie Wellish, Terry Myers and Robert Morgan, earning the Master of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute. Working as an art handler in New York City after graduate school led to another significant opportunity to be an assistant to Anselm Kiefer at his studio in Barjac France. Stephen worked side by side with Kiefer in the creation of his sculptures books and paintings which are included in every major museum in the world. Stephen has been a teacher at the University of Hawaii and Kapiolani Community College for the last 20 years.