Interview
Stephen Williams
Stephen Williams is a San Diego based abstract painter and certified art therapy practitioner. As the founder of The Hyangle, his work explores healing, identity, and self expression through color, texture, and movement. He combines painting, journaling, and breathwork into a transformative process that turns trauma into testimony and pain into purpose. Through public exhibitions and workshops Stephen uses his art to empower others to heal creatively and authentically.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“In the beginning, my practice was unstructured just making a mess and having fun. As time went by, I slowly realized how emotional the experience was. Art became a way to move through my feelings and make sense of the world. I noticed how deeply others connected to my work. People who attended my exhibitions and collected my paintings shared powerful stories about how the art made them feel. Experiences like those pushed me forward to take my practice more seriously. Nowadays, I’m my intentional with my art practice.”
What inspires you?
“I’m inspired by buyers and collectors falling in love with my artwork giving it a permanent place in their homes and offices. Knowing that the art I create becomes a calming, lasting presence on their wall and a story they can proudly share with others is deeply fulfilling. That’s why it’s important to me to stay true to my practice, create authentically, and enjoy watching others connect with the honesty and the intention in my art.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I focus on mental health, especially within my community using my art to inspire healing and self awareness. My work reflects what I’ve been learning about myself, including love languages, boundaries, and gaslighting. I just recently learned about these new terms At 36, I wish I had learned these lessons earlier. They would have saved me from stress and mistakes. Through my art, I aim to express these concepts and help others discover them sooner, creating space for growth, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is intuitive, abstract, and spontaneous. I use bold color, layered textures, and expressive movement to create pieces that are more about what you feel than what you see. Each painting reflects emotions, surrender, and transformation. I include splatters marks, and imperfections as a way to honor the chaos and beauty of real life. My art invites viewers to engage with their own healing process with honesty and curiosity.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I’m really influenced by Jackson pollock for his intuitive movements and Willem de Kooning for how he blended abstraction with hints of the human figure, much like how I balance between chaos and cohesion. I study and respect many artists, like Kerry James Marshall, Basquiat, Mark Bradford and Jahlil Nzinga but I’m not interested in copying anyone’s path. I stay grounded in my own perspective and allow my life experience to shape my work. My goal is to develop a voice that’s completely my own.”
“I’m inspired by buyers and collectors falling in love with my artwork giving it a permanent place in their homes and offices. Knowing that the art I create becomes a calming, lasting presence on their wall and a story they can proudly share with others is deeply fulfilling.”
What is your creative process like?
“My process starts with breathwork and journaling to ground myself and access clarity. From there, I move into painting, pouring, splattering, and layering acrylics in a way that blends intention with spontaneity. I often paint standing up, allowing my full body to move with the emotion. Sometimes, I incorporate te, symbols, or collage elements like magazine clippings. It’s a therapeutic and freeing process and one I also guide others through in my Hyangle art therapy classes.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“In my opinion, an artist’s role is to tell the truth and give people something real to hold onto. I use my work to heal, educate, and inspire growth especially for those of us who come from places with limited options. I tell the truth about my experiences with the hope to inspire. Today, artists have more tools and visibility than ever. So it’s no longer just about creating it’s about impact. Who are you inspiring? What legacy are you leaving? The art has to have purpose.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One exhibition I’m proud of is my upcoming show ‘Boundaries’ at Brokers Art Gallery in Downtown San Diego, opening October 2025. The show explores the importance of setting healthy emotional and spiritual boundaries. The following day, I’ll also host a public art therapy workshop tied to the exhibit. Beyond that, I’ve participated in art fairs, solo shows, group exhibitions, and interactive community events often inviting the public to co-create abstract pieces through live painting sessions. Each experience adds a new layer to my practice and my mission.”
Website: www.TheHyangle.com
Instagram: @thehyangle
