Meet Steven Morrell | Artist

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

Hi Steven, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Although I’ve painted sporatically throughout my life, I began making art seriously about 5 years ago when I was living in Boulder, Colorado. As soon as I realized this is what I wanted to devote my life to, I began thinking about a move to LA to take advantage of its thriving art scene. Now that I’m here, my goals are in sharper focus than ever before. I want my work in the best galleries in the world. Simply put. I know that’s a lofty goal, but that’s what I want. Whether that actually happens or not is irrelevant, the value here is in aspiring for that goal. (It’s kind of like meditation. Nobody’s ‘good’ at it, but it’s the trying that’s important). Now while the ultimate dream is to be in world class galleries, a great consolation prize would be being able to live off art sales.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I consider myself a modern figurative artist and my subject matter is almost exclusively women. I think what makes my work unique is my use of bold color and my combination of both loose, energetic, spontaneous mark making and realistic mark making. I still consider myself an emerging artist, and although I’ve only been in LA one year, the momentum I’ve built so far has just been incredible. One of the things I’m most excited about is my new venture into curating. I’ve landed a role as the curator of Lucky Cat Gallery, located in Downtown LA, and I am having a ball. I love discovering new artists, putting shows together, and most of all supporting other artists who face the same challenges that I do.

One of the things I’ve learned is that not every opportunity is the same, and there a lot of people who are more than willing to separate artists from their money by offering opportunities that are just not worth it. It’s important to learn what to look for in a gallery or fair, for instance, and know when to say no. At the end of the day it’s about getting eyeballs on your work, the right eyeballs. I’m constantly searching for and figuring out ways to get my art seen.

At the end of the day I just want my art appreciated. I wish money wasn’t a part of the art world and I didn’t need to make a living, because I would literally give my work away. It’s a funny thing about art, at the end of the day I make art for myself, it’s my medicine. But it’s also for the world, and nothing makes me happier than sharing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I never thought of myself as much of a beach person, but I’m actually finding the beaches in and around LA to be one of my favorite places to unwind and really just be in the moment. I take my dog to the beach every weekend and really relish my time there. That would be one of the first places I take a visitor. I live downtown so that’s the area I know best. The Arts District is always a fun area with lots of killer restaurants. Manuela is one of my favorites. Every Saturday night I make it my job to check out as many gallery openings as I can so that would definitely be on the itinerary. Some of my favorite galleries are KP Projects, Corey Helford, and Hauser & Wirth.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well, my first Shoutout would have to go to my mom. I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family and budgets were tight but whenever I asked my mother for anything that had to do with making art she never said no. She was my biggest fan, and supported my artistic growth in any way she could. Next up is George Fernandez, a teacher I had in college that pulled me aside and repeatedly told me that I had the goods to really turn this into something. And of course the collectors and art fans that I talk to at every opening and event. I love talking with art enthusiasts so much, and my favorite thing in the world is when a viewer taking in my work really feels its presence.

Website: https://stevemorrellart.com

Instagram: @stevenmorrell

Image Credits
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