“In the world of art where a bit of knowledge can sometimes be stretched a bit too far, I’m glad to say that my experience seems to bring me more rewards than my knowledge,” Stephen Namara told 48hills.

In portraits and abstract works, Namara explores the complicated emotions that arise in our attempt to live a normal life in the face of extraordinary circumstances. In delicately rendering art in lean materials, he reflects our desire to protect ourselves in the battle against anxiety, anger, and grief.

Namara grew up in two very different corners of the world: East Africa (Kenya and Uganda, to be exact) and the midwestern state of Missouri. He came to San Francisco to attend the San Francisco Art Institute in 1979. Since the mid-’80s, he’s kept a studio at Hunter’s Point and currently l

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