Portland State University does not attach the title of Master Artist to those who complete a Master’s in Art and Social Practice. However, that did not stop Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr, who has wholeheartedly claimed the title to themself.
“They have a robust portfolio of artistic projects centering food and gathering around it,” BSU president Tristan Hamilton tells as he introduces Stevenson.
“Stevenson pursues these professional and creative goals passionately because they believe that empowered and open-minded young people, and communities are the best and most direct way towards ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all,” Hamilton explains.
Stevenson centers themself on social art, highlighting the importance of togetherness and upholding history. Focusing on these ideas within the classrooms they teach in.
Lucas Stafford attended Stevenson’s talk, explaining his motivation to be there as, “I like to hear different artists talk about how they are able to do art full time, [and] what inspired them to start doing art and how they were able to make that into a career.”
Many of Stevenson’s projects involve the creation of food and eating it as a group. One of the first projects involved their students cooking a meal for the class and then enjoying it together, each student having a moment to be complimented on their skill and provide for their classmates.
Stevenson has also created the Afro Contemporary Art Class at Dr. MLK Jr. School for elementary aged students of African descent. The class encourages students to learn more about the history and contexts that have shaped their lives. Exploring these ideas through an artistic perspective, studying the work of contemporary artists.
Stevenson expresses themself through the knowledge of their background. Different pieces highlighting their own and a cultural past. They explained, “I want a connection to my ancestry and I want to send that forward. I’m less interested in bells and whistles.”
After Stevenson’s presentation, Stafford felt influenced, “I was interested in the social aspects of their work, and I was inspired to try learning about my family’s history more and figuring out a way to incorporate that into my art.”