Written by Jim Magner
Originally printed in the December 2011 Hill Rag
Reproduced by kind permission of Capital Community News
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Artist Profile: Steven PearsonThe paintings of Steven Pearson appear to explode—as if fragments of form and color are flying in all directions, or perhaps, being pulled back together by some central invisible force.
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In a way, that is all true. Steven Pearson’s works are carefully structured and strengthened vertically and horizontally, but repeated shapes and motifs give them a dynamic movement. The forms are layered to provide an almost three-dimensional trajectory. It is all about controlled chaos. If paintings could be described as highly excited, these would be the example.
In a way, that is all true. Steven Pearson’s works are carefully structured and strengthened vertically and horizontally, but repeated shapes and motifs give them a dynamic movement. The forms are layered to provide an almost three-dimensional trajectory. It is all about controlled chaos. If paintings could be described as highly excited, these would be the example.
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This current series began with one painting in which mirror images divided the work into arrays of facing patterns. Color and value differences provided dramatic tension. Then, that painting led to the next, and that one to the next and so on, with pieces of each imposed in the composition, creating an ongoing, almost genetic, relationship from painting to painting. Colors and forms vary, as do the apparent stories that are found in the intricate shapes, lines and colors that are stand-ins for thoughts and ideas. As life has become more complicated, so has his art—and all from a single starting point.
This current series began with one painting in which mirror images divided the work into arrays of facing patterns. Color and value differences provided dramatic tension. Then, that painting led to the next, and that one to the next and so on, with pieces of each imposed in the composition, creating an ongoing, almost genetic, relationship from painting to painting. Colors and forms vary, as do the apparent stories that are found in the intricate shapes, lines and colors that are stand-ins for thoughts and ideas. As life has become more complicated, so has his art—and all from a single starting point.
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But there is more in his current show at Studio H. (See Gallery Openings). His small pieces allow him to play with shapes, line and muted color. They are free and loose—an idea bank of sorts, sometimes contributing to the larger works.
But there is more in his current show at Studio H. (See Gallery Openings). His small pieces allow him to play with shapes, line and muted color. They are free and loose—an idea bank of sorts, sometimes contributing to the larger works.
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Steven has a Masters of Fine Art from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He is an associate professor of Art at McDaniel College, and is director of the college’s Rice Gallery. Not surprisingly, he teaches color theory.
Steven has a Masters of Fine Art from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He is an associate professor of Art at McDaniel College, and is director of the college’s Rice Gallery. Not surprisingly, he teaches color theory.
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He finds the abstract approach a good tool for recording the deluge of daily information. Steven Pearson has a way of ordering chaos…without killing it.
He finds the abstract approach a good tool for recording the deluge of daily information. Steven Pearson has a way of ordering chaos…without killing it.
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Editor’s note: Steven Pearson recently exhibited at Studio H in a body of work entitled Amalgamations. Steve Pearson’s website is www.srpearson.com
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A Capitol Hill artist and writer, Jim can be reached at ArtandtheCity05@aol.com
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