Steve Maker
Paintings

Artist Statement

My inspiration develops out of a constant observation of the world around me.
Both real and imaginary.

What has happened in the past, the events of today and the possibilities for tomorrow are all a part of my work.

Never trying to be regimented in my thinking and my artistic creations, I choose to gather my thoughts and images from wherever and whenever they appear to me.
The unexpected in my life can become the most transforming and inspiring as an artist.
When I find myself and my work becoming rigid, lacking spontaneity, I break the pattern. I try something new. Something not so obvious, not so comfortable. By rethinking my process of creation, changing my colors, changing my images, I change my way of seeing and my way of painting. My work becomes more personal.
To enjoy what I do and what I create is freeing to me.

My work in oil goes through many changes in its development. Color goes on. Images emerge. Color comes off. The images change. The direction changes and the painting takes shape.
SJM

Artist Bio

I was born in the high desert town of Bend, Oregon USA. My path through life has always followed a creative direction. A keen interest in the visual arts took me to the Museum Art School in Portland, Oregon. Then on to Spokane, Washington for a BFA degree in the Performing Arts.
After founding Sumus Theatre Ensemble, a regional repertory live theatre company in Portland, I found myself involved in the film industry, working on television and motion picture productions.
Moving on in life, I was a partner in the Portland Pearl District contemporary art gallery, The Cultured Pearl and Harvey and Steve's Gallery for 30 years.
Needing a change in life, we closed our galleries and became ex-pats and bought a ruin in the small village of Tournon d'Agenais in the south of France.
There, I spend my time renovating the 13th century chateau and painting in my studio overlooking the village square.
SJM