Canvas Series
08/04/2023
Overview of Series
This series takes 20 to 25 year old canvas paintings, and amalgamates them with 100 year old barn wood, salvaged from an Alberta farm. The painted canvases were rolled up and in storage, and the old grain bin was obsolete and unusable. In the context of combining identities they are now one, and relevant. The canvases have been segmented, cropped and mixed with the old wood fragments to create a multilayered recycled concept. They revisit compositions that were unfinished, and use what worked from them. These canvases explore the common themes of the time-period Steve loves.
Divine Love SOLD
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 28 x 48 x 3 inches deep. This painting was originally done in 1997. The concept of stained glass was the motivation of this work. Taking the old wood and placing it within the Gothic Arch frame with grid like formation, the negative space becomes the lead of a stained glass window. The Gothic arch shape supports the overall appearance exploring how old wood can become glass and with the provided subject matter, the two bring about a collective result.
Lady with a Book SOLD
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 33 3/4 x 42 3 1/2 x 3 inches deep. This original canvas was painted in 2002. It shows a woman enjoying the peacefulness of her surroundings while also enjoying the contents of a small book. Seeking the solace of quiet contemplation is a common theme among many of Steve's paintings and is the desired outcome.
Farming Family
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 26 1/2 x 28 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches deep. This original canvas was painted in 2001. It was part of an ongoing 6 year solo exhibition at the Hotel MacDonald in downtown, Edmonton, Alberta. At the time, demand for continual new work at this location was necessary and this painting always seemed rushed. The natural geometric shapes happening from the gleaners while cutting hay, was the inspiration for Steve to select this painting to be part of this series. The canvas was cut up and joined with the old wood and repurposed into this new presentation giving it a much stronger composition now.
Young Dreamer
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 24 1/2 x 26 x 2 1/2 inches deep. This Painting was completed in 2001. The musician theme is a common element of Steve's paintings. This theme has been a large part of his portfolio over the years so it seemed appropriate for him to revisit this old canvas and repurpose it for this new Canvas Series.
Garden Party SOLD
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 18 x 19 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches deep. Originally done in 2001 it was part of a series of 12. All but 2 were sold, and they have been in storage for the last 15 years. The Garden Party is a painting that is heavy with atmospheric drama, its a rich painting with long tones and rich value. The evening is drawing to close, but the lone musician is eager to keep the music playing. This painting, when first done, was a lot larger and the composition had many void areas. Now, with the inclusion of old wood and a tighter structure, the painting holds more intimacy and is more complete.
A Warm Summer Day SOLD
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 18 x 19 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches deep. This small canvas was originally done in 2002, it explores another common theme of Steve's, the sheep farm. The wood present in this painting is dynamic and full of volume. The wood starts where the water line begins, and provides a multi-layered transition that really displays what these new woodblock paintings are accomplishing. It is a busy transition between canvas and wood, along with different levels of dimension, allowing the viewer to navigate around the small textured painting, and eventually settle on the subject.
Forest Concerto
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 22 1/2 x 27 x 1 3/4 inches deep. This Painting was originally painted in 2003, Acrylic on canvas. When it was first completed it was a much larger composition and it was originally titled music and stream, due to the young musician sitting in front of a pond, however she got lost in the business. This new painting now has her as the primary focus and the composition is much tighter, drawing attention to her and the music she is performing.
Stained Glass Curtain
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 22 x 35 x 1 1/2 inches deep. This painting, originally painted in 2003, has been transformed in this new presentation. This reimagination is a complete abandonment of the original, with the exception of the positioning of the lone violin player. She stands slightly off center in a stained glass presentation. The wood segments interplay with the geometric canvas shapes in a warm and inviting composition where the wood and canvas form a stained glass backdrop. The negative space between the wood and canvas separates the painting into 3 Gothic arches and represents the lead found in old church windows.
In the Garden of Flora
Acrylic, canvas and old wood, Framed. 21 1/2 x 23 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches deep. This painting was originally done in 2001 and was part of an exhibition. It had been in storage until Steve decided that it would be a good candidate for this new series. The composition has been totally repositioned and various parts omitted. This new painting is very atmospheric with lots of drama found in the rich dusk filled tones. Flora was the Mythological Goddess of flowers, her statue stands perched above watching and enjoying the music and celebration within her garden
