Ornamental woodblock series
01/12/2023
Overview of Series
These paintings are part of the Wood Block Series but are displayed with more elaborate presentation. These paintings involve themes Steve has been working on and developing for years and are painted directly onto wood blocks or pressed canvas mixed with fragments of old wood. The Gothic shapes make their presence known in many of Steve’s paintings and, because his work has strong geometric elements within them, the outward shape or frame becomes an extension of this. The exterior frames are carved and formed from aged and weathered wood, which act as an extension or addition complimenting the interior. The relationship between the two offers something more precious and delicate, which is more apparent through this form of presentation.
The Olive Pickers SOLD
Acrylic and Gel on old wood, Framed. 24 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 1 1/4 inches deep. This is a thorned quatrefoil shape, was commonly used on architecture and in manuscripts during the early ages in Europe. It has a carved frame made from 100 year old ash. The Olive Pickers shows the rolling hills of the Tuscan landscape where labors are busy removing the seasonal, and most sought after olives.
Precious Gift SOLD
Acrylic and Gel on old wood, Framed. 20 1/2 x 35 x 1 3/4 inches deep. This painting uses the same theme and Gothic imagery as "Devine Love", part of the original Canvas Series, but is done so with a new painted image, rather than a repurposed one from years ago. It is a play on the visual presentation of stained glass and uses old wood in a similar style as the broken and gridded old Gothic church widows were. The Madonna and child theme is one that Steve has explored often over the years, each one taking on a unique way of expressing emotion, interaction, and love. This one is no different, with the interaction occurring not so much through facial connections, but rather through touch.
The Young Suitor
Acrylic and Gel on old wood, Framed. 24 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 1 1/4 deep. This piece is in a thorned quatrefoil shape, commonly used on architecture and in manuscripts during the early ages in Europe. It has a carved frame made from 100 year old ash. The title of this painting, The Young Suitor, is the main focus of this work eventhough it is a minor player in this grand setting. The primary focus takes place in a small boat, where a young couple are being chaperoned by a paddler, and a musician playing the lute. The work is a play on the less obvious feature, which is actually the primary subject of the painting. Although there is a lot going on in this piece, it has a gentle relaxing presence allowing the eye to move from one scene to the next. It's many paintings within a painting.
Harvest Triptych
Acrylic, canvas stretched over wood block with old wood segments, Framed. 17 wide 21 in height x 2 1/8 deep. When open it is 34 inches wide. This painting is a multi panel presentation. When the doors are closed it shows 2 images and when the doors open there are 3 new images inside. The door latches can be fastened when the doors are closed. Triptychs were commonly used as altarpieces and were found during the middle ages. For this triptych, Steve chose to present a harvest scene full of activity and color. As an Alberta boy, surrounded by agriculture, he paints what he loves, big skies and warm fields, evident in all his harvest paintings.
Sacred Love
22 1/2 x 35 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches deep, Acrylic and gel on canvas and old wood. This gothic arch shaped painting captures the love and bond between a mother and her child. Its shape was commonly used in the Renaissance Period and is used throughout Steve's paintings. The image displays the quiet moments of complete contentment between the Madonna and her playful child. Colour, rich values and multiple levels of texture and wood complete this precious moment. The relationship between mother and child has been explored and displayed in paintings for centuries. This relationship is a timeless theme which continues in it's importance and reverence in many of Steve's paintings.
A Calm Day
Framed 5 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 3/4 inches deep. This little study is part of many of Steve's paintings that make up many of his landscapes. It's a warm, inviting and offers a quietness that we all look for.
