Steger Sculpture

Artist Statements: 2008

What I seek in my current work is a state of harmony and balance. I am interested as well as concerned with the human connection to nature. I hope to inspire in some way the beauty, the wholeness and the life-sustaining, symbiotic relationship that is the core of our existence.

I am in pursuit of simplicity within our complex nature. I want my work to speak with a minimum of narrative, converse with mystery and generate wonder. Like the effect of a Zen koan, I want questions to be raised that have no answers, thoughts to run deep and feelings to be inspired.

I am an artist in this world. It is a path I walk alone with my soul. A creative being, I am both blessed and cursed not to follow a well-worn path. My works are doorways and windows to view this journey of revealing my soul. These artistic manifestations are my gifts I have to offer. I sense it is my purpose to create sculpture. I experience the return of this gift in the relationship and reflection I have with the viewer.

I truly believe that we are at a crucial time in our existence. It is a time for seeking new ways of being -- creative ways and ways that honor us as humans, honor our environment and honor our well being.

The arts always will be the leading force in forging new pathways to a life of abundant joy and beauty. If I can lay down even one step on the path of our greatness, my existence as an artist will be fulfilled.

KES August 2008

My philosophy of art making and of public art

Being a dedicated artist, my life and my art are deeply engrained with each other. I strive for my art to be as nature is – a creative force that must grow, evolve and rebirth itself to be truly alive.

The opportunity to create public art brings me to the fullness of my art philosophy. I create with an awareness of the viewer and my role in the connection and exchange that take place between art and observer. With this gift to create art, I take it as my responsibility to create work that is rich, intriguing, authentic, inspiring and beautiful as well as joyful.

Public art is available for whoever wishes to participate with it. I believe art is about freedom -- the freedom to express, to feel, to create and to enjoy the beauty that we as humans are capable of producing.

Public art has an essential place in our lives. It offers us the chance to stop, quiet our minds, observe a creation of nature and contemplate the mystery, beauty and wonder of what it is to be human.

The work I create is sculpture that’s intended to feel familiar, like it was at one time known maybe in a dream or in some unconscious thought, which cannot be identified but, in its familiarity, carries a friendly and comforting appeal.

I believe my works appeal equally to all genders, races, and ages. I like when I see children leading adults into the mystery of what a sculpture may be about, what it may do and why it might be here. Whether the child is two or 102, it is the child within that comes out to see, enjoy and appreciate the work.

My sculptures draw attention from a distance as a form in space that is beautiful and never before seen. On closer inspection, the details, craftsmanship, textures and subtle coloring reveal the work as a truly refined piece of art.

Public art is important to me and I know it is important to a city. I believe it is the art of a city that reveals the soul, care, and pride a city takes in itself. We live in a time when it is essential for us to have open minds, see in creative ways and embrace new ideas. My place as an artist is to play out my role in the best way I know and create art that gives a glimpse into that wonderful world we call imagination.