Stephen was born in Berkeley, CA and raised by a poet and a painter, so it was in his blood to become and artist. One of Stephen's earliest memories is being with his mom while she painted by the ocean, using their car as an easel.

Even though he has worked in a variety of materials, he came back to the ocean in the form of humorous mixed media fish. Most fish start with a vintage crutch or paddle, are given a tail, fins and teeth, filled with antique items and found objects, before being meticulously wired into place. Because Stephen was an educator he hopes people will see the connection between his use of things that might otherwise be discarded and the pollution of our waterways. An annual percentage of the sale of Stephen's fish helps support environmental groups.

Stephen earned a B.A., M.A. and Doctorate of Educational Leadership. He was a teacher and school administrator alongside his career as an artist.