Artist Profile: Stephon Kiba Freeman

Stephon ‘Kiba’ Freeman is a full-time stay-at-home dad and a professional artist located in Stevens Point, WI. He specializes in creating with spray paint and markers on everything from canvas to exterior walls of varying sizes. He tends to create landscapes, explore space, dabble in abstractions, and self-portraits through his creative practice. Originally from Chicago, Kiba moved to Stevens Point in pursuit of higher education in 2009. He earned his BFA from UW-Stevens Point (UWSP) in 2014 while primarily focusing on relief printing and film photography.

 While attending UWSP, Kiba met his wife, Jenna, and they have been inseparable since. The birth of their daughter, Soraiya, in 2018 really helped to shift Kiba’s perspective. He started to create for someone other than himself and it moved him to pursue more large-scale public art. He has been leaving his mark all over Wisconsin with murals in Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Waupaca, De Pere, Madison, Rome, and Wausau. Kiba has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs, Children Museums, Parks and Rec departments, town governments, business owners of varying sizes, and local community members to add a fun, whimsical flare to different areas. He has art collectors across the country and beyond.

What was the experience like painting your first mural?

I painted my first mural on my garage door in 2018. I did it as a test because someone asked if I could paint their garage door. I was out painting in the parking lot of the local Family Video when one of the customers came over and asked me if I could paint a garage door. I said “I haven’t, but I’m sure I could figure it out “ (Or something like this). I gave them my card and didn’t really expect anything of it — people always ask me about potential projects, but rarely follow up.

They followed up. So before painting their door, I tested what I thought I could do on mine. I wanted an idea of how long it would take, how many cans of spray paint I’d use, that kind of thing. This was maybe a week or two before my daughter was born. My wife sat in the car recording me — I had no equipment for capturing myself or anything — and I finished my first mural on a single car garage door in about 1.5-2 hours. Finished theirs (double the size) in about 4-6 hours. Both are still very vibrant to this day. 

What are some of your artistic goals for the upcoming year?

I have a few — I plan to expand my mural painting beyond Wisconsin to different states and counties. I’m open to the possibilities. I’m taking a trip to Japan in March 2024 and I got the crazy idea to paint a mural or two while I’m there. I’m very ambitious — once I can see something happening or done in my head, I have to figure out how to make it happen. My financial goals tend to tie into my artistic goals, but I’ll leave this here for now. 

Who or what are inspirations that have supported your artistic growth in the past several years?

My kids. My daughter (5) is a big inspiration with how she sees the world. My wife is a huge supporter of my business and artistic aspirations. I kind of take inspiration from a bit of everywhere — I’m interested in a lot of things and allow them to unfold in my work as they will. I try to be mindful of simple things, but need reminding at times. I love experiencing art from others, but am not sure they are always direct inspirations. Because I make it a priority to connect with people in meaningful ways, I think this informs me and my work most.

What are 2 to 3 exhibitions, concerts, books and/or book talks, spoken word events and/or films you're hoping to check out this season in Wisconsin or virtually?

There is a live painting tournament in Wauwatosa in early June with a grand prize of $20,000. I participated in 2022 and was a finalist. I didn’t participate in 2023 because of scheduling conflicts, but I’m planning to participate this year (if I get in again). I’m sure there are other events in Wisconsin that I’m blanking on because I’m focusing on my trip to Japan — looking forward to visiting the National Museum in Tokyo, Arashiyama Bamboo forest, and many of the shrines and temples while abroad. I’m very excited to see how this trip informs as well as inspires my work. I definitely want to make some time to experience music performances plus a variety of art experiences in places I visit to paint murals. Let’s see where this takes me!