Steven grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri – the seventh child in “a beautiful family.” Motivated by the 1980s instructional PBS series hosted by Bob Ross, the Joy of Painting, Steven fell in love with painting as an outlet for his fervent imagination. His paintings became his commentary on the contemporary world as well as a means to express his love for prominent members of all cultures  Steven is also an accomplished portrait artist who has made a mission of giving painted portraits to the families of victims of violence in Saint Louis following his becoming paralyzed on Christmas Eve of 2021 when he was robbed at gunpoint. A percentage of each painting's price is donated to help children in need.