Stephen Bivens, photographer, teacher, and community advocate whose work in the photographic arts traversed the terrain between place, personhood, and politics died on June 1 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. He was 52.
A prolific photographer, whose work served as the historical memory for inner-city families, arts organizations, and neighborhoods, Stephen’s invaluable contributions to Cleveland’s artistic landscape had just begun to gain citywide attention and recognition.
In 2016, Stephen was one of seven recipients of the North Collinwood neighborhood’s Ballot Box Project, where community residents voted for Bivens to photograph local families, business owners, artists, and activists in the locations that most visibly revealed their connections to the North Collinwood neighborhood. In 2018, Stephen became an inaugural recipient of the prestigious Cleveland Arts Prize Verge Fellowship. The following year, Stephen was appointed as Twelve Literary Arts’ photographer-in-residence and became a photographer for Cleveland 20/20: A Photo Exploration of Cleveland – a partnership between the Cleveland Public Library and The Cleveland Print Room designed to capture images of everyday Clevelanders in celebration of the Library’s 150 year anniversary. His work is currently on display at the Main Library’s Brett Hall through November. Bivens also taught photography to inner-city youth through The Cleveland Print Room. This was his greatest joy.
Uniting his diverse and prolific output was a propulsive desire to challenge people to think about their perceptions of others. Stephen sought to capture a range of people – from local artists and political figures to international pop culture heroes to everyday people – in their most natural states and environments. In this way, Stephen sought to show that “people are people” and that human commonality is to be uplifted, and difference, celebrated.
This appeal to his subjects’ humanity was a direct representation of Stephen’s strong Christian faith, which not only steered his artistic work but also served as the anchor of his life. A man of few words, a quote often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi most accurately applies to Stephen: “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
Stephen Bivens was born December 6, 1967, in Tampa, Florida from parents Robert and Mary (Haywood) Bivens. He was the youngest of five children, including Rita Thomas, Karolyn Bivens, Valerie Tramell (Leroy), and Robin Weary (Kenneth). After graduating from Tampa’s Gaither High School in 1986, Stephen became the third generation of the Bivens family to serve in the United States Marine Corps. He was an Operation Desert Storm combat veteran and served as a guard for the United States embassies in England and Japan.
After his decade-long service in the Marines, Stephen returned to his hometown of Tampa in 1996, where he worked for Time Warner and then Progressive Insurance. Stephen was later transferred to Progressive’s Cleveland office. 2008 proved to be a pivotal year for Stephen. He married Cleveland resident Jennifer Madden, and the newlywed couple moved to Tampa to live near his young daughters and extended family. It was also in 2008 when Stephen made a dramatic career shift to pursue his lifelong passion for photography full time at the age of 40. It was a bold move for a newly-married man of middle age – and one that Cleveland and the world were enriched by. In the summer of 2015, Stephen and Jennifer returned to Cleveland, a city they always loved.
Stephen is survived by his mother and four sisters (Tampa), his wife, Jennifer (Madden) Bivens, of Cleveland, and four daughters from previous marriages, Anka Ohama (Osaka, Japan), Luka Ohama (Urasoe, Japan), Gabriela Bivens (Phoenix), and Marley Bivens (Phoenix).
A private service is planned for immediate family on Friday, June 5. Larger memorial services will be held at later dates when it is safe to travel and gather together. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Stephen’s memory to the Cleveland Print Room (2550 Superior Avenue, Cleveland OH 44114). A student scholarship fund will be established in his name.
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Ron and Marilyn Brummitt
Our hearts are deeply saddened. Even though we know Steven is with the Lord… he is greatly missed here with his family and friends. We pray his testimony and his art will bring will continue to bring many to Jesus.
John Fain
I knew Stephen and Jen from church in Tampa. Tho I knew Jen first, I also knew Stephean as a gentle giant now I see why most Marines r quiet. I will never 4get him.
Becky Grigsby
Jennifer, our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and all the family. And I sincerely hope he will be given the recognition due him as a fallen Veteran. Love Becky Grigsby
Kim Cook
Jenn and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Stephen was one if the sweetest people! The world is better for his time on it and Heaven is rejoicing in his homecoming. But we weep with you in your loss. Praying for you.
Adele
So sorry for your loss. I know what it is to lose a husband and my heart goes out to you.
Scott Ranck
Jen, We are shocked and saddened by Stephen’s passing! Our prayers are with you.
Scott & Gayle Ranck
Taiwanda Thornton
Only God knows the pain and emptiness we all feel at this moment . Earth has no sorrow heaven can’t heal . We love you endlessly and although we know you are safe we especially me i want you back ! You had much more too do Unc . We love you Stephen Alphonso Bivens
Valerie Tramel
To the best brother ever ..you make me so proud to see how much you are loved
Loretta Janis
My sincere condolences to the family. Stephen was a wonderful man. It was my privilege to get to know him.
Bill Wade
I’m having this bizarre combination of pain for the loss of Biv mixed with the knowledge that he is hangin’ out with Jesus and everyone else in Heaven. And my heart breaks for Jen. It’s all so painful and yet so cool at the same time. I cannot wait to see Biv again and have him show me around when I get there.
Nan Kennedy
I met Stephen nearly 20 years ago, when the Waterloo art scene was in its early days, and he was an early supporter. Over the years, as I knew him better, I came to think of him as a benign Waterloo presence, attending all events with his camera, recording the neighborhood and its residents. He will be sadly, sadly missed; he was a large man in every way, with a great talent and a huge heart. Thank you for sharing him, Jennifer.
Kristi Leah Miller
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Jen and Stephen together. I know Jen from a church in Cleve Hts way back when. We met when we were both single. All I know is that Stephen had to have been a stand up man of God. Jen, I am thankful we connect thru Facebook and at least kept that contact. Know that in reality, I am praying for God to show up nightly during this time. <3
Janet Pantaleo
Stephen Bivens was a true gentleman…a ‘gentle man’. He lived his faith being kind to others, generous with his gifts and dearly loving his family. His time on earth qualified him for the greeting we all hope for as we face our maker : “ Well done, good and faithful servant!” He will be missed greatly, but live on in our hearts and his art.
Lucinda ("Cindy") Brewton DeFord
Jen,
So saddened to hear of your loss. You and the girls are in my prayers.
Keith Berr
Stephen was a true gem, a person I always looked forward to seeing and sharing with each other what we had both been working on. We had been discussing setting up a mens art group called “Art Guys”, like Cleveland’s “Art Girls” but the COVID situation placed a pause on that. We will all miss this wonderful individual and know that he touched so many with his genuine goodness of soul and heart. God Bless you Stephen and thank you for all the good you brought to this world.
Niecy
“Gone from our sight but never forgotten.”
You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he’s gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he’d want, smile, open your eyes, love and go on. Loving memory of you uncle Steve
Masami Ohama
Stephen Alphoso Bivens
You are a very kind person and everyone likes you.
Thank you for meeting you.I will always be in everyone’s heart.
Kenneth Weary
You had so much more to do brother in law and you will be missed by so many! Your sister Robin is hurting so much but I know our Lord Jesus has better plans for you at this time, we will never understand his plan but we must accept it! We love you more than you will ever know my brother!
Don Carr
Condolences to you and your family sorry for your loss.
Bellamy Printz
My heart goes out to you Jennifer and to your family. This is the unimaginable but I know that you are being held in many hearts and minds. Peaceful transition Biv.
Ryan Lott
The best kind of man. The best. Love you, Biv. And Jen, he couldn’t have found a better mate. Hugs from far away in body, but close in spirit.
Mark Diggs
My prayers and condolences for the Biven’s family and especially for Jen. I only knew Jen’s husband through his work, the images he created, and it was clear to me that he loved well, loved his community, his family and his muse. God bless and keep you all. May Jesus keep Stephen’s memory clear and bright, until that great gettin’ up morning when memory is transformed into reunion and joy.
Dinah Hodgson
We are so heartbroken for the “loss” of Stephen to his beloved wife, Jen, and family. We know that Stephen is not actually lost and is in the presence of his glorious Lord, but until the time you are reunited with him his absence will be felt and grieved deeply. Our prayers and love are with you! John and Dinah Hodgson
Cindy Perkins
Beautiful service, Jen. Thank you for sharing with us. He was a special man. We love you.
sangeeta clough
Jen,
My heart aches for yours. Lifting you up in prayer!
All my love and prayers and HUGS!
Sangeeta
Sherry Cashin
To see Jen and Stephen together was simply a treat. Last time I saw them together was at Grumpy’s in Tremont for breakfast. Fun, conversation, laughs, friendship, love of family, NewSong – and of course Cleveland. He and Jen were visiting, they had not yet returned to the 216. I’m so sorry we won’t get to see Cleveland through his eyes again. But ahhhh, he left us pictures! Oh yes, he left us pictures. Jen, you were so deeply loved by him. May that truth wrap around you like a warm blanket. We WILL see you again, Stephen.
Joe Churpek
Jen – I was so sorry to hear this. Sending love and support from my family to yours.
Robert Gatewood
Stephen was a great steward for our neighborhood, a good man who I could count on to listen, and an amazing artist I am proud to know. Jennifer, his children, and his family are in my mind and heart, I am sorry for his loss and offer my deepest condolences. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Toni Chanakas
I’ll never forget when I first met Stephen. It was a warm December, Saturday on Waterloo where we had a Holiday event on the street. I walked into Article and I saw Stephen talk about his photography. I was blown away – beautiful black and white photographs (my favorite too). Ever since then, I always saw him either on Waterloo taking photos or saying hello. I’m sadden that I won’t see what he’ll do next. I’ll always remember his creativity, kindness and just like the rest of us, hanging around Collinwood. Thank you Stephen for the special gifts you brought to all of us.
Matt Shiffler
You will be sorely missed, brother. You were one of the kindest, gentlest people I’ve ever met and were one of a kind. As the Pastor said, “Stephen was great in the Kingdom of God.”
Rosalind Wilkes
A beautiful service for a beautiful man! Jen, I am heartbroken for you and Stephen’s family, but I pray the love he had for you will comfort you now and in the future. Stephen and I shared a love for Lake View cemetery and I will cherish his genius photographic eye of that place for years to come! We do not grieve as those who have no hope… we will see Stephen again! I Thess 4:13
Love you Jen,
Rosalind
Richard & Siobhan Martin
Jen:
We grieve with you now.. and continue to wait with you for the day when, in Jesus, all tears are wiped away, grief is gone, and the three things that bound us all together in those days in the Heights.. faith, hope, love… with be proven to last forever.
Richard & Siobhan
Anthony Capoocia
You will be missed. Enjoyed the years in The Marines with you. Follow your career in photography. RIP my friend
Sarah Gyorki
Stephen has been such an abiding presence, and now he’ll be so sorely missed. Such a generous heart, and so much talent. The community will feel his loss. My heart goes out to Jennifer, and his daughters, and all of the family and friends who loved him.
LORIANNE De Loreto
Jennifer, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you and his family. Bless you all.
Jennifer Lott
Jen and family, we are so sorry for your loss. And so grateful to partake in the beautiful legacy of Stephen’s well-lived and loved life; may he be an example to us all. I will remember him as a calm and gentle presence, always watching, always listening. His words to me and Ryan were always honest and encouraging. And his love for his muse “Jenny Sue” was so evident… I loved the pictures he’d post of you. To his mom, daughters, extended family, and Jenny Sue, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Gnabah-Mortensen
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Stephen was a guest in my classroom for three months at Lincoln West Global Studies where he shared his expertise, talent and knowledge with our young photographers. All my students enjoyed working with Stephen and he will surely be missed.