We are pleased to introduce the US American artist Steve Sas Schwartz in the art Radar interview. The artist, who lives and works in Los Angeles, caught our attention on Instagram some time ago.
Zamboni Totems V & VI, Tehachapi installation, 2022, roughly 98 /1/2” x 20” x 20” each, rubber, steel, nitrocellulose
How did you get into art?
When I was a kid parents always asked, “What did you want to be when you grow up?” and I always answered without hesitation, “An artist!” I always knew my calling and never wavered.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
My style is absorbent and eclectic. I do not have a pat definition. It’s intuitive, not formulaic, although I do gravitate towards ‘rules’ or boundaries I set up to play amongst. I want to put forward a lot of complex ideas in a very simple, direct manner. I want the work to be easy and fascinating to live with. My aim is for the work to keep giving the more you look and move through time.
How do you go about developing your work?
I follow my nose. I am not strategic in the sense of thinking, “What does the art world need right now?” It’s more like what’s jumping out of my heart. That, combined with parsing conceptual concerns.
"Homage to Malevich" 2022, nitrocellulose and blister packs on wood, 25 1/2” x 25 1/2” x 2 1/8”
"Flyby" 2023, blister packs, acrylic, nitrocellulose on wood, 25 1/2” x 25 1/2” x 3 1/2”
Who or what influences you?
Life, times, culture, everything. Desire.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
Big Spring exhibit in NYC that’s somewhat of an historical overview, very excited.
