John Stango
Born and raised in Philadelphia, John Stango embodies a rich artistic legacy, deeply influenced by his mother, Frances Elaine Rockwell, an accomplished painter. Their lineage traces back to renowned American artist Norman Rockwell, and both John and his mother continue this celebrated tradition.
From an early age, John’s exceptional talent caught the attention of his teachers, setting him apart from his peers. Defying familial expectations, he pursued his passion at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, quickly emerging as a standout among a gifted cohort. One professor remarked that while the class was filled with talent, it was John’s work that truly captured everyone’s attention.
After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Graphic Design, John began his professional journey with Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s as a visual merchandiser and display artist. Soon, he ventured into entrepreneurship, creating original silk-screened t-shirts that garnered the interest of his former employers. As his reputation soared, John shifted his focus entirely to painting.
Now, working from a spacious warehouse in the backwoods of Philadelphia, John draws inspiration from retro advertising, pop culture, and mid-century modernism. His distinctive blend of silk-screening and hand painting results in vibrant pieces that are simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary. With intense brush strokes, bold colors, and dynamic textures, his canvases feature an eclectic mix of subjects—ranging from glamorous bombshells and iconic superheroes to vintage signage and Americana imagery—intermingling to create striking visual narratives. Characters like Batman and Elvis, Audrey Hepburn and Lucky Strike, Mickey Mouse and Heineken come alive in John’s imaginative renditions.