Stephen Tomasko (b.1966)
Untitled, from the series Delira and Excira, 1 in edition of 3
Materials and Dimensions: Archival pigment print on acrylic, ~ 32” x 51”
Location at Summa: Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion
About the Art
In Delira and Excira, Stephen Tomasko captures large-format, close-up studies of Ohio trees in spring bloom, a vibrant response to the harsh gray winters of northern Ohio. This particular image, featuring a star magnolia branch, immerses viewers in a sensory experience: the fragrance of spring air, the softness of petals, and the play of light on blossoms.
Tomasko’s work combines technical precision with poetic intention. Using a digital camera and specialized lenses, he captures fine details and color with clarity. Artificial lighting enhances texture and dimension, resulting in compositions that recall the floral woodblock prints of Japanese artist Hokusai. His “straight photography” approach minimizes manipulation, allowing nature to speak authentically.
The series title, Delira and Excira, comes from Irish slang meaning “delighted and excited,” echoing the artist’s joy at witnessing the return of spring. Initially published in 2014 as Delira and Excira: Visions of the Flowers of Spring, each image is available in a limited edition of three prints.
Untitled, from the series Delira and Excira (white apple branch), 1 in edition of 3, 2010
Materials and Dimensions: Archival pigment print on acrylic, 32” x 51”
Location at Summa: Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion
About the Art
This striking image of a flowering white apple branch invites viewers into the intimate world of early spring. The blossoms stretch across the frame in a soft cascade, bursting with detail and life. Viewers are not only drawn to the intricate texture of each petal but are also encouraged to imagine the scent in the air and the feel of pollen-laced petals brushing the skin.
Created as part of Stephen Tomasko’s Winter Was Hard project and included in Delira and Excira, the photograph reflects both technical discipline and emotional release. Emerging from a long, stark Ohio winter, this image is a visual manifestation of the season’s first joy, delicate yet powerful, fleeting yet unforgettable.
Tomasko’s use of wide-angle lenses and artificial light allows him to emphasize scale and form while retaining a painterly softness. Unlike traditional botanical photography, this approach doesn’t simply document a flower, it evokes the living essence of spring.
While his earlier work explored American landscapes, industrial sites, and county fairs, Delira and Excira marks a turn inward, a celebration of quiet beauty found in everyday nature. The white apple branch piece stands out for its sense of clarity, warmth, and renewal. Like all works in the series, it is part of a limited edition of three.
About the Artist
Stephen Tomasko has worked in photography, drawing, and painting for more than 30 years. Early in his career he documented American streets, county fairs, and political rallies. More recently, he has turned his focus to flowers and gardens, subjects he finds meditative and reflective.
Tomasko’s Winter Was Hard series celebrates the resilience of nature and the emotional reward of spring’s return. His large-scale prints are rich with detail and intimacy, inviting viewers to engage all their senses and connect deeply with the natural world.
A native of Parma, Ohio, Tomasko earned a BA in Art History and Philosophy from Bowling Green State University and an MFA from the University of Delaware. His accolades include an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council and a Soul Train Fellowship from Akron. He lives near Akron with his wife and daughter.
Where You Can See More of This Artist’s Work
Tomasko’s photography has been exhibited widely across Ohio, including at the Akron Art Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, FAVA, Kendall Galleries, and Bowling Green State University. His work was featured in the 2018 FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art as part of Akron’s Curated Storefront initiative. His 2014 book Delira and Excira showcases his acclaimed floral studies. Visit his website to explore the full range of his photographic practice.
The Healing Arts at Summa Health
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