Meet Steve Horvath | Veterinarian & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Horvath and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Life is a balance, and finding that balance is something I’ve been practicing since I can remember. I’ve always been a guy who has a wide variety of interests and hobbies. This ranges from sports and athletics, to science, and of course art. I’ve always been studious and had the drive and initiative to understand things a little deeper than surface level. So when something new comes along that peaks my interests, I take a deep dive to study it, practice it, and add it to my catalog and rotation. Over time some of these interests fall off, and are replaced by new ones or to make space to practice the old ones.

I’ve lost track of how many times someone has said to me “How do you have time to do all of that?” I still don’t know the best way to answer that. I enjoy staying busy and learning, so I keep chipping away at things as they interest me. There will always be something that comes next. I’ve found having a wide variety of things in my life is a natural restriction to doing too much of one thing. That variety in activity brings me harmony and thus balance. Also, thanks to my employer for a 4 day work week, which has definitely added to the time I can spend painting walls!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a veterinarian and a mural artist. At this point I have been painting for around 20 years and a vet for 8 years. I enjoy painting and design as a way to escape, relax, and unwind from the rigors of clinical life. I find balance in that duality of my brain. My muralism began in the graffiti culture; thus, my brush of choice is a spray can. I am inspired to paint things from the natural world in which we inhabit. This ranges from letters and graphics typical of the city, to plants and animals in nature, and the spaces where these shadow, overlap and invade. It probably doesn’t need to be stated, but the bigger the wall the better!

Painting is not my full time gig so it’s fair to say that art is my side-hustle. That being said, with steady practice my muralism has grown into a self sustaining business, Doctor Steve Art LLC. I am grateful that I have two jobs I enjoy and am passionate about, and for the balance they provide. I truly feel this has helped me avoid burnout from either of them. I hope to continue to help animals and their owners, and to continue to create bold, colorful, and beautiful pieces of art for people to enjoy for as long as I can.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Columbus Ohio is a great city. It’s big enough to have everything and small enough that the traffic doesn’t overwhelm. The first stop on the tour has to be the Franklin Park Conservatory. This is a gorgeous multi-room greenhouse with stunning plants and a great exhibit rotation, that is always an artistic installation of supreme quality. Additionally, they have done an excellent job incorporating art into the space with a rotating gallery, outdoor glass hot shop, and a large collection of Chihuly glass sculptures throughout the facility. For lunch we’d hit up Budd Dairy Food Hall on 4th ave. and then make a few stops on the craft brewery trail. Though there are many great craft breweries here, we would make a point to check out what’s on tap at Seventh Son and also the sour selection at Pretentious Barrell House. Both are big supporters of the local arts scene. Seventh Son was an annual sponsor of 2X2Hip-Hop Festival and Pretentious has a collection of several large murals and other smaller pieces in their tap room. For the evening we’d hope to hit up some local gallery openings or art walks. Must sees are 934 Gallery, Blockfort, and all the artist galleries and studios in the Franklinton Arts District. For dinner there are too many options. We will play that one by ear.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off I have to shoutout my partner Brad, who puts up with my crazy ideas, busy schedule, all the cans of spray paint in our basement, and any stray dogs I happen to bring home from the clinic. He knows when to edit me and when to let me ride the wave.

Secondly, big ups to Josh Miller, who recommended me for this article, and his son Gavin, who probably owns the most pieces of my art. Thanks for all the support over the years, the photos, and of course for putting together my website.

Third shoutout goes to the spaces in my city that have helped provide a place for practice, growth, and for exposure of my art to larger audiences. Those two spots are The Lookout Supply and 934 Gallery / 934 Fest.

Last shoutout goes to all my friends, co-workers, and fans of my work. I know there isn’t enough space to list everyone who has helped me on my path. If you have, please know I truly appreciate’cha!

Website: www.DoctorSteveArt.com

Instagram: @DoctorSteveArt

Facebook: @DoctorSteveArt

Image Credits
Josh Miller (Head shot and Graffiti piece), All other photos taken by myself