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"There is an entire universe in a moment. There is just as much available to you in one moment as in 10,000 moments. So you can make decisions from moment to moment, instead of planning things out.
Theoretically, the perfect jazz song is started by a note on the piano. The other instruments respond to that note, and an entirely fresh melody is born of the moment. An entire life is lived in the moment. That's how my paintings dwell.
It might take me some time to see a moment, choose a moment, or respond to a moment. I have an array of moments to choose from. Living in the moment is a timeless thing, because it's not really about time.
So, a painting could take a couple hours or ten days. It's about waiting for the moment, recognizing it, and moving forward when it appears."
"The Unstoppable Flow of God's Word" Diptych, 2006
Mixed Media, including acrylic paints, photographs, brown craft paper, and wire mesh, on Canvas
Each panel 30" x 40"
Q. What inspired you to use different media?
A. It’s been a natural evolution. I just felt like the paintings needed more. I would look around the room where I was painting, and ideas would come to me as to what I could add to the painting other than paint. I have discovered that there are thousands of valid ideas swirling around in the moment, and if you wait sincerely, one of those ideas will clearly present itself. All I need to do is listen.
Q. Do you see yourself proceeding in the mixed media direction?
A. Yes.
Q. What are the photographs of?
A. They are pictures I have taken, of trees and a fence in central New Jersey. Robert Rauschenburg (a pioneering modern abstract expressionist) loosely inspired that idea. I identify with some of his thought-provoking ideas. There’s a kindred spirit there.
Q. What does the painting represent as a whole?
A. All elements work together for the good of the whole piece...
Q. How does the painting demonstrate the flow of God’s Word?
A. Well, God’s Word should be powerful, simple, exciting. It should be unfolding bit by bit, all the time to all things, and disruptive to prejudicial concepts.
Q. How do you hope people will feel when they view this painting?
A. I always want people to feel happy and hopeful… that the impossible is possible… and that there is simplicity in diversity, echoing the brotherhood of nations.
Q: How do you feel working with children influenced your career? [Submitted 11/21/07]
A: It's allowed me to be simple, fearless, spontaneous, more confident in these qualities, less bound by rules, more diverse.
When I create a picture in front of them, I feel inspired to be free. They never cease to be amazed by my freedom. For example, I might paint purple trees, or just use mixed media. I'll color something a different color than it is in real life. My freedom opens them up -- I can see their eyes open wide -- and that inspires me.
I'll always be a teacher. It might not be in an official capacity, but I'll always look for ways to give help and people who want to talk and listen.
If you have a question or comment for Steve, please enter it below. If you would like a response, please be sure to include your e-mail address:
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