Steven Bui: The Art of Visual Impact

Sharing Is the Legacy

INTERVIEW BY: EMILY ARAUZA

MAY 27th, 2025

“There’s things in the world that don’t require money… but to me, sharing is more important in my life in every shape, word & form,” Steven Bui reflects. His words aren’t just poetic, they’re lived. Rooted in resilience, community, and faith, Bui moves through life as more than just a painter or B-boy. He’s someone who creates to connect, someone who believes the real flex isn’t clout, but closeness.

Better known as Staybann, Steven is the heart behind StayStillcollective — a crew of dancers, artists, designers, and friends who’ve made it their mission to lift one another up while building something real. Whether through breaking, abstract painting, or pop-up events that feel more like family reunions, he’s rewriting what it means to be an “artist” by centering love, presence, and healing above all.

For this conversation, I caught up with Steven just shy of the one-year anniversary of his first art studio lease in downtown Houston. We talked about everything from his roots in OBK back in high school to the night his best friends saved his life, to the quiet but powerful promise he made to his younger self: never stop trying. What unfolded was a conversation about faith, grief, community, and the kind of art that can only come from someone who’s really lived through it — and stayed.

Steven Bui: “My name is Steven Bui or also known as “Staybann” I am a B-boy ( break dancer ) first and foremost painter & creative designer under StayStillcollective (my  group of family/friends that dance & work on Art all together whether it’s music fashion Art or Dance we all coincide & work together to bring up one another as well as ourselves!) I’ve been breaking for about 10 years now & doing Art for most of my life but didn’t start to take things more carefully/seriously till the middle/end of last year.”

Emily Arauza: “You can really feel the passion and community behind what you do. Ten years in breaking is no joke — that’s serious dedication. And the fact that you’ve found a way to blend your art, dance, and design with your circle through StayStillcollective is powerful. It’s inspiring to see how you’re not just growing individually, but uplifting the people around you too. What shifted for you toward the end of last year that made you start taking things more seriously?”

SB: “I always hold that one quote really close to myself “ if you go alone you’ll make it fast but if you go through it together the journey will be even further “ It was really when I leased my first Art studio in downtown Houston! There wasn’t a clear goal in mind at all about what I wanted to do with the space I got it because a friend of mine that was working for an event under the company that owns the building introduced me to the idea of being in a space meeting & being around other like minded Artists (I got the Art Studio last year in June so coming close to the 1 year!) Nothing really started to begin until early September really I had a falling out with an ex partner I initially got the studio with so there was a loss of motivation or effort to do anything but I’m thankful & by grace blessed with some really great friends around me. We threw our very first pop-up shop in my Art studio under a company event that was already taking place that same day (almost got shut down because there were too many people in my studio) but ever since that event I gained a lot of experience trust & truthfully a lot of joy in just making Art with my friends. I had my 5 of my friends from the crew Dj that day 2 people help me out on live screenprinting & the rest on the floor just managing a 490 square foot room with 50+ people inside. We’ve been so fortunate to be able to do 3 additional events from that September time last year to now (last  one we did was at Moth last month in April!) All of these things truthfully is an ode to the people I love here or not here with me. They've given me an opportunity to love others & I just hope by doing/managing these things I’m able to touch theirs & others around my heart to theirs.”

EA: “That is beautiful. The way you talk about your journey — from leasing the studio with no clear plan to building a space full of energy, love, and community — it really speaks to how purpose can reveal itself over time. That first pop-up, the packed room, your friends holding it down with DJ sets and live printing… that’s not just a moment, that’s movement. And the heart behind it? You can feel it in every word you say. I’m curious though — how long have you been on this kind of path creatively? Like, even before StayStillcollective and the studio, what first pulled you into art or dance? Was there a specific moment you knew this was your thing? And how old were you when that happened — and how old are you now looking back on it all? I’d love to know what the calling looked like when it first started versus how you see it now.”

SB: “For dancing it’s been since high school since I was 16 ( I’m now 24 years old )!  My school had a breaking program called “Obk or Oak Break-Crew” I was introduced to it by a few of my upper classmates & my amazing dance teacher Fayla Curry after falling in love with the dance & learning more styles throughout school as well like contemporary & being brought out to the Houston’s hip-hop scene here (I first started going out more for jams/events/practice spots around 2019 with one of my best friends Juan who’s also apart of StayStillCollective I feel like I didn’t appreciate the dance more when I was in school but once I graduated & was 18 we took that initiative to see for ourselves then) I instantly fell in love with the culture & rich history Houston & all of Texas has influence in the breaking hip-hop scene & the people I just knew it was the coolest thing & beautiful energy to be apart of it created a space where all emotions & Art could exist in a way that I have never seen so authentic; 2019-2020 was also the time I started getting back into making Art (painting sewing & screen printing)  but I think being around Houston & going out to these events in Texas I was exposed to a lot of the graffiti scene here I knew in my heart I wouldn’t be able to do it or find ways to but I wanted to take influence & create a space where it felt similar so I ended up during quarantine devoted a lot of time into Abstract Painting instantly it felt just like doing graffiti but in a way that felt enlightening for me to keep pursuing. I do believe a lot of my life experiences kept me here to keep doing these Art forms to be honest growing up I surrounded myself with pretty bad influences & habits from my father but by doing these things I felt like it helped me stay out of trouble keep my mind sober & not following similar paths but creating my own that’s didn’t feel self destructive I’m very fortunate along the way I was able to meet such great people that had similar goals either for them it was music & mine was painting & clothes but all still be able to dance together too it helped me stay grounded & just being closer to god/buddha in faith. I think for a while doing these things just felt like it was apart of me like it wasn’t special but it was just something you can’t help but do if that makes sense haha from just doing things for friends like commissions in my small bedroom for a few years & now in 2025 I’m searching/experiencing this path as an “Artist” I still hold those values very high for myself on why I do this I the setting changes every year but who it’s for always remains the same it’s like I’m keeping that promise to that kid in me to not give up or never stop trying.” 

EA: “That’s powerful and the way you found your voice through breaking, then transitioned into painting with that same raw energy — it shows how deeply rooted your art is in self-growth and faith. You’re not just creating, you’re staying grounded, rewriting your story, and holding onto that promise to your younger self. That’s something real. With all that said, who inspires you? Whether it’s dancers, artists, or even people close to you — who keeps you going? What pushes you to keep creating, even when things get tough?”

SB: “Thank you so much that really means a lot.

Honestly who inspires me the most is my Father he’s no longer here with us on Earth but I still believe somewhere he is seeing all these things prosper in ways before he passed away I was able to have one last conversation with him since growing up we didn’t have the greatest relationship being able to see me those last few times he told he saw someone completely different than who he used to remember he was proud of that for me that wasn’t just some angry troubled kid anymore but somewhat a growing man even tho I’m still learning to this day & have much to heal from he’s always been that one person on my mind that I can reconcile back & take steps back to see how far I’ve grown from those past chapters in my life, I of course want to say my friends family & my ex partner but it doesn’t start without the history I’ve had with him.”

EA: “Thank you for sharing that, Steven. That really hit the heart. It’s beautiful how your father, despite the struggles in your relationship, still became such a central part of your growth — not just in memory, but in how you reflect, heal, and move forward. That final conversation sounds like it gave you a sense of peace and a new kind of motivation. It’s clear that your journey isn’t just about creating art — it’s about transformation, reconciliation, and honoring where you’ve been. With all of that in mind — as someone who’s already come so far, what do you see for yourself moving forward? What do you hope the future holds — for you, for StayStillcollective, and for the story you’re still writing?”

SB: “This year is really the first real year I’ve been putting myself out as an “Artist” truthfully I don’t like that word haha in a lot of ways I just wish I can just be labeled as a friend. I see myself being a better man for the people around me & for the future of Stay Still myself & this journey I’m looking to close a part of a chapter with our upcoming short film project I’m directing & opening new doors to bring those opportunities to light whether it is breaking music or Art I just hope whatever the future holds I can continue sharing these experiences with my loved ones & everyone that I may have touched. There’s things in the world that don't require money of course in some stances money is important. But to me sharing is more important in my life in every shape, word & form, I hope to keep sharing love.”

EA: “The humility in wanting to be seen not just as an “artist” but simply as a friend — that speaks volumes. You’re moving with intention, not for the title or recognition, but to grow into someone better for the people around you. That kind of mindset is rare, and it’s what makes your work — whether it’s through breaking, painting, or film — feel so rooted in truth. This short film sounds like a meaningful turning point, a way to honor what’s behind you while making space for what’s ahead. And the way you center love and sharing over everything — that’s the kind of legacy that lasts. So here’s something I haven’t asked yet: when all the noise fades — the events, the shows, the posts — what do you want people to feel when they think of you? Not just what you did, but who you were? What’s the mark you hope to leave on people’s hearts?”

SB: “I just hope everyone was able to be present together, I have an issue most times just overthinking, overworking & worrying isolating I get so trapped in my own way that it’s hard to give balance but I understand a lot of people can relate whether it’s school jobs or personal life experience. I just hope we all got to live together like really live life share laughs hug & cry I only hope I can provide comfort to those people that feel unseen in their own heads it’s like taking you by the hand & dragging them to let’s just be here together if I can do that I believe that is enough for people to remember.” 

EA: “There’s something incredibly powerful in the simplicity of what you said; just be here together. It’s honest, it’s human, and it’s exactly what so many people silently crave. The fact that you carry that intention, to create space for presence, for connection, for feeling seen — says everything about the kind of soul you are. And the way you admitted to overthinking, isolating, getting in your own way — that vulnerability is what makes your comfort so real. Because you’re not speaking from the outside looking in — you’ve been there. You’re showing others there’s still joy, community, and light even when it feels dark in your head. So before we wrap this up, I want to ask, what final words would you share with someone who’s struggling right now? Someone who might feel unseen, unsure, or stuck; what would you want them to hear from you, heart to heart?”

SB: “Lean on the people closest to you that love you & if there’s no one you can count on seek the help you need because it’s so much more brave than holding on to those feelings. We only die once but we live every single day just remember you’re feelings aren’t defined by who you are but let them pass before any uncertainty it doesn’t matter who’s pulling the strings in life but what does matter is that we’ll never be able to see in this first person perspective as we do forever just remember this life is a gift & we’re here together in the present ironically as it sounds I hope whoever may read or see this knows that they are never alone & whatever you may be going through i believe it is so possible to overcome. I want to be able to share this with you 

8 months ago back in September after our 2nd event ended I tried to take my life without anyone knowing in the right time my 2 best friends ( Ethan & his partner Jocie ) saved me that night just by sitting there & hearing me out I thought no one understood me or how much I was truly going through but I was proven wrong 

Everyone has someone they can go to whether how close you are we’re human we should be able to hear each other out if you truly relate so lean on the people you love & if you can’t there is help just please be open to trying it’s never too late. The right people will hear you & build you & get you out of negative notions. It will happen just be patient with yourself because with patience comes a time where you can find benevolence too you never have to be alone.”