Artist Statement:

Processing information has always been a challenge in my life. Neurodivergent learning differences affect how I process language, numbers, and sensory information evolved into a rich visual language. Through community support and my own efforts, visual storytelling grew out of  a young age grew into drawing and art-making as a unique form of communication.

Processing information has always been a challenge in my life. I’m neurodivergent—learning differences affect how I process language, numbers, and sensory information. These challenges evolved into a rich visual language. Through community support and my own efforts, I turned to drawing and art-making from a young age as a unique form of communication.

At SCAD, studying illustration, I found literal rendering difficult. The learning differences that made processing challenging also made direct, representational illustration a struggle. Instead, I leaned into abstraction as a strength—an approach that aligned with how my brain naturally processes information. Listening to  music revealed my synesthesia—I was visualizing sound. Stained glass windows became a key influence: layered imagery creating narrative, light filtering through transparency, multiple stories existing at once. That shows up directly in the work—the visual density, the layered iconography, and storytelling.

I am drawn to explore the line that sits between literal and obscured expression. Through my art I seek out iconography to represent ideas—symbols with universal meaning as well as deeply personal ones.

Layered imagery—semi-erased, blurred, obscured, some clear—gives viewers the opportunity to dig for meaning and discover hidden narratives. What the mind perceives in my art can change depending on context and physical proximity. I want you to experience my paintings from a distance for the overall emotional impact, then step close to examine the layers and make discoveries. There is a level of satisfaction that comes from encouraging the viewer to let their mind and imagination wander.

My subjects vary widely—personal emotional experiences, historical figures, philosophical concepts, —but my approach remains consistent. I experience the world in a unique way, but millions of other people share one or more of these neurodiversities. Ultimately I hope to act as a positive example and advocate for people with similar challenges. Every new painting is a new pathway to gain a new perspective.

Biography:

Jason Stallings is a mixed media artist based in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in a creative family of designers, musicians, and artists. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design (2007). His work is inspired by cubist, expressionist, futurist, and surrealist movements, with time spent abroad in Spain, Asia, and throughout the United States informing a connection to broader cultural traditions.

Beyond his studio practice, Jason is actively engaged in the Dallas arts community. He serves as Mentor and in leadership in a number of art collectives, working with emerging artists on creative and professional development.

Experience in arts academia and administration enriched his professional life with Institutions like The Winston School. As Artist Ambassador for Chartpak Inc., Jason lectured students on art materials and creative experimentation.

Stallings’ work has been featured in solo exhibitions at Stephanie Anne Boutique, Metropolitan Press, and self initiated exhibitions. A high point came in an inclusion in the 2014 Rising Star Art Exhibition at Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts at a referral from David Dike Fine art. His work was selected for a group exhibitions including “How We See” at Pencil on Paper Gallery. His work has also been selected to show in the Dallas Latino Cultural center and in the office of the Mayor of Dallas.

His work is included in private and corporate collections including Lyons and Simmons LLP, Hayslip Design and Associates, and American Institute of Plastic Surgery. His artwork was featured on the cover of a 2025 academic publication for De Gruyter Brill, which was a collaboration between the Universities in Milan and Berlin. He has been featured in Voyage Dallas, Shoutout DFW, and Candy’s Dirt.

•Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration
Savannah College of Art and Design,
Savannah, GA, 2007

Selected Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions:

• Solo Exhibition
4434 W. Lovers Lane
2025, Dallas

• Solo Exhibition
Metropolitan Press
2014, Dallas

• Jason Stallings’ One Man Show
Solo Exhibition
Stephanie Anne Boutique
2009, and 2010, 2013 Dallas, TX

Exhibitions:

Juried Exhibitions:

• “How We See”
Juried Exhibition
Pencil on Paper Gallery
Judged by Dr. Vallerie Gillespie and Mr. Emmanuel Gillespie
2021, Farmers Branch, TX

• Mixed Media/Collage Exhibit
Juried Exhibit
The Gallery at Paper Mill Village
Juried by Kenson Thompson
2010, Marietta, GA

• Artist Participant
Educate & Celebrate
Boys and Girls Club of Jersey City
Nola Preservation Society
Juried by Monica Kelly
2008, Jersey City, NJ

Auctions

• David Dike Fine Art Fall Auction
David Dike Fine Art
2022 Dallas, TX

Publications and media

Cover Art: De Gruyter Brill Academic Publication, 2025 Collaboration between Universities of Milan and Berlin David Dike Fine Art 26th Annual Texas Art Auction, Dallas, TX, 2022 Press: Voyage Dallas, Shoutout DFW, Candy’s Dirt

Interview with Voyage Dallas

Shoutout DFW

A feature in Candy’s Dirt about Urban Scene