Gordon Stevenson (aka Baron Von Fancy) moves candidly with an impressive amount of energy between mediums to experiment with concept, color and humor.  A genuine creative his mediums are numerous and diverse. Whether he is painting, designing or collaborating with other artists, he engages a playful, sometimes mischievous and always clever approach.

Stevenson’s paintings are the most visually stunning of all his work.  As much an experiment in medium as they are a barrage of color the acrylic drips and swirls have a captivating aliveness to them that is emphatic, exciting and unmistakable.

Transferring this sensibility to his art objects, Stevenson activates relationships between language and material.  He investigates the nature of communication by playing symbols and words off one another.  His mirrors, welcome mats, light fixtures, sponges and other odds and ends develop a witty and intelligent visual dialogue between object and viewer.

Affirming all the things that make him a versatile artist Stevenson’s signage works are probably the culmination of his work.  A native New Yorker who admittedly finds inspiration everywhere, Stevenson laments that he rarely sees hand-painted signs in New York City anymore.  Motivated as he is, Stevenson began making paintings and drawings in the style of classic hand painted signage.  Using this traditional medium as his point of departure, Stevenson then applies pseudo-cliché, tongue-in-cheek, generally romantic aphorisms.  Sometimes adoring, sometimes sarcastic, Stevenson’s paper banners make new again an oft-unrecognized and almost lost art form.

Considering his art making to be as much about the activity as it is about the product, Stevenson allows this distinction to influence his practice and define his style.  This Must Be the Place is a collection of works in various mediums that present Stevenson as a dynamic, versatile artist who possesses an eye for color, a romantic inclination and a cheeky sense of humor.