Meet Steve Ellis – An artist based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

 

Illustrator, painter, sculptor, author: Steve Ellis traces his career back 53 years, when he worked as an illustrator for the aerospace industry. But his interest in working with sculptural metals began even earlier. He was actually given his first commission in junior high school – for a copper assignment.

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His interest in copper continues to this day, attracted to the metal’s natural patina as well as its adaptability to add colors and textures. All of his sculptures – whether stylized human figures (the reclining woman in “Morning After”) or conceptual pieces (“Spirit Wall”) incorporate copper elements that he has hammered, heated, patinaed with his own formula,

or shaped by hand.

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Steve draws his inspiration from nature, calls on his illustration background, and allows his imagination to wander. Much of his work, he says, is sparked by daydreaming. The balance comes simply from asking "what if...." and taking that question into the studio. “Many times, I'll have an idea, but – like most creative experiences – I discover other options and ideas that get incorporated into the final piece.”

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These ideas often incorporate found objects – bits of natural or manufactured items that he has collected or that others have discovered and dropped off at his studio door. Once I was struggling to find just the right piece for my latest spiral sculpture and a neighbor dropped

off a piece of mesquite at my door and told another neighbor to tell me to do something pretty with it. I instantly knew it was exactly what I needed.

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Steve moved to San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico, 9 years ago and is currently showing his work at the Galería Blue Moon.