Uplifting
Art
Steve Martin Uses Bold Colors,
Shape and Light to Charge the Canvas
By Debra Kronowitz
New Orleans artist Steve Martin, know for his
energetic sculptures realized in wire, has been dedicated to
introducing his work and the work of many noted New
Orleans artists to the broader international art community.
As a child growing up in rural Louisiana, Martin was
encouraged to explore art, oftentimes expressing himself
visually. Self-taught, creating art has become a life-long
passion for Martin.
His sculpture is devoted to modernism, especially the School of
Paris, in which the human form was celebrated. This form is a
constant in his ever-increasing body of work today. “I
feel that art should uplift the soul and elevate the spirit.
This is my message and I use the human form as my messenger,” he
explained.
Though
his sculpture is influenced by Picasso etchings, Martin’s
paintings have more of a kinship with Paul Klee and Swedish
artist Timo Solin. His paintings are figurative, often depicting
simple, yet powerful forms that express emotion rather than
realism.
Characteristically complex and of obvious difficulty, his use of
composition, bold color, shape and light charge the canvas with
energy.
Martin’s inspiration comes from living in New Orleans. “People
are moved by the revelation of the subject’s mood, personality
and feelings.
These sensual exaggerations also
express my feelings of what art is,” he said.
“The elements
are taken from the larger-than-life fantasy of Mardi Gras
floats and the fantastic characters that inhabit my imagination
as a result of exposure to this festive culture,” he continued.
Martin’s newest series, Faces in a Crowd, does not
disappoint. The series has launched him into a much bigger
collectable stature globally. The acrylic paintings are a sequel
to his first series, Faces of Adversity, which debuted at
Art Basel 2007.
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Photos by Simon Hare Photography |
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The
large, bold canvases create not just a mere image or portrait,
but reflect the subject’s aura, spirituality and emotion,
creating a feeling in the viewer that allows one to momentarily
connect with the subject. “The goal is not to illustrate, but to
illuminate,” Martin explained.
Embraced by the international community, Martin’s work is in
corporate, private and museum collections. He has two galleries,
one in New Orleans and the other in Miami. Since Hurricane
Katrina, he has spent most of his time working in Miami
while maintaining his New Orleans gallery and studio. Recently,
he was honored by the New Orleans Museum of Art for his
contribution to the New Orleans art culture. In addition, Martin
placed in the top 25 of an international art competition for
Christiana Art Foundation.
Steve Martin Fine Art, 624 Julia St., 504.566.1390 |
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