Bio
Stephen Rybacki’s work brings a deep sensitivity to surface, texture, and natural process to the space. Currently refining his artistic voice, Stephen’s mixed media work explores the delicate beauty of oxidation intermixed with contemporary abstract painting. Layering materials of rust, plaster, fabric, and various paper into tactile compositions that speak to time, imperfection, and presence.
Stephen’s work is built on a dialogue between control and natural variability. While he creates the conditions for oxidation to take shape, the final outcome is never fully in his hands. His relationship with his work happens up close. He often studies small sections where oxidation has left its mark, or imperfections that deserve to be acknowledged. These intimate moments in the studio shape the soul of each piece. The surfaces aren’t polished or manufactured- they’re honest records of interaction between material, time, and intention.
When viewers encounter Stephen Rybacki’s work, their reactions are almost always the same: curiosity, followed by a step closer. His pieces don’t reveal everything at once...they invite exploration to what he hopes is a gateway- a way to remind viewers to slow down and notice the overlooked.
Stephen has exhibited locally in the Los Angeles area for the past 9 years, also including reoccurring art fairs with SaatchiArt’s “The Other Art Fair” where he has been recognized as a top artist to collect for the company. His exhibition experience has expanded rapidly beginning in 2025 with group exhibits and sales in New York (Rukh Art Hub/Mriya Gallery) and Barcelona (Uxval Gochez Gallery), as well as group shows in St Louis MO (St Louis Guild), Wilmington NC (Gallery 906), and ADC Fine Art’s (Cincinnati OH).
Statement
I am currently in the mid stages of establishing my artist voice. My desire to create, and strength in my work, comes from surface textures and natural process results. I have a keen interest in natural oxidation: controlling it as a medium, its variances on surfaces, and involving “rust” with mixed media. I have a passion for creating and manipulating the delicate texture and beauty of the natural oxidation process through contrast with another materials or surfaces.
Often times a found object initiates my work: by incorporating it directly, imprinting, or as an inspiration to a composition. My process typically includes multiple layers of media, creating textures the viewer can feel. Over the past years I have solely worked on wood panels with multiple layers of paper, plaster, and acrylic paint. Recently I have introduced fabric into my work, exploring new capabilities and surfaces.
I hope my work serves as a tangible invitation to engage in the often-ignored details of our surroundings, encouraging a contemplative pause to appreciate details, authenticity, and imperfection.
Education
BFA- California Polytechnic University, Pomona CA. 2009
Exhibition History
wOngoing- Create Gallery and Frames, Boise ID. Rotating limited works
wNov 2025- ACA 2025 Group Show- ADC Fine Art, Cincinnati. OH
wAug 2025- St Louis Artist Guild “A Quiet Composition”- St Louis MO, Juror Michael Shemchuk
wMay 2025- Gallery 906 Group Show- Wilmington, NC
April 2025- Uxval Gallery Group Show- Barcelona Spain
Jan 2025- Rukh Art Hub/Mriya Gallery Group Show- January- New York NY
Jan 2025- TAG Gallery Group Show- January- Los Angeles CA
March 2024- Sandstone Gallery- Guest- Laguna Beach CA
Nov 2023- Bunny Gunner Gallery- Solo- Claremont CA
Sept/Oct 2023- Sandstone Gallery- Guest- Laguna Beach CA
Sept 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025- “The Other Art Fair” with SaatchiArt- Los Angeles CA
May-July 2023- Ontario Open Group Exhibition- Ontario CA
April 2022- Studio C Gallery- Solo exhibition “Rust”- Claremont CA
March 2020- Sasse Museum of Art- Group exhibition “Soul Stories”- Upland CA
Aug 2019- Progress Gallery- “Under the Influence” Solo- Pomona CA
2017- Las Laguna Gallery- Group exhibition, “Small Works, Big Talent”- Laguna Beach CA
2017- AvantGarden Gallery, Featured Artist- Group exhibition- Santa Ana CA
Art for Lease
Hollywood Art Leasing Gallery- Over 50+ art rentals in TV, movies, commercials https://artpic2000.com/artists/Rybacki
Recognition
SaatchiArt Platform awarded “23 Artist to Collect in 2023”
Commissions/Collections
2022- The Hadley (Housing complex), Mountain View CA.
Commissioned Mixed Media for main reception
2018- Pomona College of Humanities- Public humanities studio building
Mixed media series collection “Overnight”, Pomona CA
2018- Chase’s Restaurant (Fine Dining), La Verne CA.
Commissioned painting & mixed media works/signage
Publications
New Art Magazine June 2023- Pages 146-151 www.newartproject.org
Bluebee Magazine- Issue #4, Daffodil Pg 73. www.bluebeegallery.com
Humana Obscura Magazine- Issue #1, Fall/Winter 2020 Pg 21, 50
HumanaObscura.com and Amazon
https://www.wedotart.com (we[dot]art — curated creative directory)