Artist profile

Steve was kind enough to volunteer his time and help us set the exhibition earlier in the week. His piece is titled 'Bethlehem' - drawn from an image that has sat in his memory since his schooldays. He created this piece specifically for this exhibition, having never used art pencils before. Halfway through the creation, Steve was ready to tear it up as it wasn't working as planned. Perseverance won out and Steve worked around perceived flaws in his work. He has deliberately played with perspective in his work, to poise a question for the audience.

Steve reflects now that this piece came from a subconscious place, wanting to create a statement on the situation in Gaza. The juxtaposition of colour and joy in his image with the suffering in that part of the world. "These places weren't built with the intention that they ended up pock-marked with bullet holes or levelled by bombs, but for people to live peaceful lives".

Steve has two other pieces in the exhibition, with this theme running in another graphic art piece depicting the plant and insect kingdoms working in harmony.

Steve asked to add a personal note to this blog - 'a thank you to the teams at the Devon Mental Health Alliance and Studio Kind for making this event happen'. Much appreciated Steve!