Cover | Stephen Von Mason

Queen Hatshepsut: From Princess to King (2014, oil on canvas). Stephen Von Mason uses oils on canvas to create stylized, rich colored paintings. Mason’s work is deeply—yet subtly—focused on story and narrative, and he provides a critical view of social and cultural dynamics through his art. Mason also makes skillful use of the viewer’s desire to engage with his work on an intellectual level, and the more time one spends with each piece, the more questions arise that the viewer feels compelled to answer. Additionally, each piece is aesthetically compelling; the artist’s use of color gives his work depth and richness, and his elegant use of line gives the work a timeless quality. He was born in 1954 in Indiana and currently lives in the Bay Area. His paintings and drawings have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. The Egyptian pharaoh depicted here reigned c. 1479 to 1458 B.C. StephenVonMason4.see.me

NEXT MONTH: The Monthly introduces a new dining review plus a notes-and-news food section by Anneli Rufus; Michael Fox sits down with filmmaker Sara Dosa as her debut documentary, The Last Season, has its world premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival; My Generation catches up with Graham Lustig, artistic director of the Oakland Ballet Company; and Paul Kilduff chats up J. Moses Ceaser of the New Parkway Theater.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Through April 17, The Monthly is accepting personal essays (nonfiction, first-person prose) of up to 900 words for possible publication in our summer literary issue.
The theme:

I’ve never told anyone, but . . .

Please interpret “I’ve never told anyone, but . . .” in any way that resonates with you. A distinct, compelling voice is what we’re after here, along with writing that’s specific and personal. As a regional magazine, we prioritize submissions from those who live or work in the East Bay. To submit, paste your essay into your email to Editorial@TheMonthly.com and also attach it as a Word document. No exceptions: Include your name, email address, and phone number in the body of your email and at the top of your essay. Use “Summer Essay Submission” in your subject line. Deadline: Thursday, April 17