"My paintings are all about the development and process of an idea. It starts with a concept, and I keep layering it with light and value, then the form is revealed, but it must work with the characteristics of the mediums and structures I provide. Only then can it develop within the composition" Steve Mitts
Curiosity can often lead to the most profound discoveries, this is true of Steve's current Wood Block Series. Taking his canvas paintings, rollud up in storage 20-25 years ago, he combine them with wood from obsolete 100-year-old grain bins. These works, composed of entirly old materials have been cropped, segmented, rehabilitated, and joined together to present as new compositions made relivant again. This remarkable journey originated from a general desire to create something unique. Durring his 30 years of exploration and searching Steve has seen his origiial inexperienced thought become one of his most experienced journeys of discovery.
The Work
Steve's work combines two of his loves, painting and woodworking. The work explores the mixing of mediums, uniting the two in a multitude of forms and textures. His paintings have always explored the themes of the Renaissance, a time period he has studied most of his career. The subject matter consists of musicians, or individuals finding a place of solitude to read or write or contemplate their surroundings. These were common themes of the Renaissance period, and reside in his paintings today.
His paintings encapsulate an image or an idea typical from the age, and within these presentations they are strengthened with the segmented old wood. The addition of this wood seems natural since his work consists of heavy texture and value, due to the high concentration of gels and layers.
"Wood provides a new concept for which the image is held, it is geometric and structured, but still allows the subject to be identified and purposeful." Steve Mitts
The Presentation
Each of the paintings is made using 100-year-old barn wood. The wood is used throughout the painting as segments within the painting, as well as creating the outer frame. The wood, for the most part, remains the way it was found, weathered from the sun, rain and wind. It reveals the many elements that impacted the woods appearance over the years. The front and outer frame has been minimally sanded, presenting the exposed wood in its entirety. The paintings are sealed with a UV rated polyurethane and have appropriate hangers on the back. The Wood Block series is hung with heavy gauge wire and the Canvas Series has built in wood hangers, to accommodate these larger and heavier pieces.
Please contact us with any questions you may have about customizing the paintings, presentations or if you would like to discuss possible commissions.