Drawing, Sculptures and Mobiles by Steven J. Athanas

STEVEN J. ATHANAS
ARTIST'S STATEMENT

While reading a book review this year, I chanced across a quote from author Richard Russo:

"We Americans have a right, a privilege, maybe even the responsibility to reinvent ourselves."

Shortly thereafter, my horoscope quoted the poet, William Blake:

"I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's"

I am a firm believer that there are no accidents, so at the seasoned age of 55, I have chosen to take these two quotes as a mantra of sorts - a force, if you will, to guide my life and actions. Although I am an Art teacher presently, I am striving to make my Art and my Music the prime motivation (and financial anchor) of my sordid existence. I would be a fool if I didn't recognize the potential shortcomings of such an endeavor, but to quote again, I must be true to thine self(sic).
My drawings tend to refuse to take the world too seriously (rest assured, however, I do recognize this globe's sobering condition). I like to take liberties, however large or small, with all of Art's flimsy boundaries, and see the mistakes I make as part of the process, making them work as a part of the given piece I am working on. I also consider the English language as my favorite "toy," and am apt to integrate verse into my works as well.
The sculptures and mobiles that I make have a similar attitude, but with three-dimensionality, I feel a freedom that may not crop up in my sketches. I enjoy using materials that are not "traditional" - from spaghetti to insects ... and beyond.

I recognize the whimsical, light, even cartoonish aspects of my work - and that's OK. Nevertheless, it comes from my heart - just don't call it cute.

As I continue to adapt to Russo's and Blake's words, I will strive to have my artistic endeavors please myself and the world around me.

Visit Steven's complete line of work by visitng his website www.artofstevenjay.com