steve mcginn
My approach to art is abstract and minimal focusing on the essence of an idea/concept using the pure elements of fine art, colour and form. My sculptural background helps dictate my use of materials, chosen for their capacity to emulate and contribute to the vibrancy of what it is to be alive. Using the intensity of colour as well as freeing up compositional boundaries has enabled me to explore the differences between working with chance and control. During the application of paints, inks, resin and other media the resulting interactions become complex and difficult to predict. These chance accidents are integral to the nature of my work. Like science they celebrate uncertainty and see potential within 'mistakes'. Each artwork is not planned but becomes fully formed within the making and thinking process, allowing natural forces to leave their trace producing a genuine conclusion. Any resulting ambiguity invites the viewer to contribute their imagination completing the creative process without dictating it.
I draw my inspiration from the limits of our understanding, unseen phenomena so large and small that imagination is required to make sense of them or to give them anything close to a tangible form; reflecting an admiration of our standing within an age of discovery, scientifically, technically and above all artistically.
I have over the years built a complete confidence in my ability to both realise a piece of work and to develop an idea that is representational of any given subject. Past experience as a freelance sculptor working with a number of reputable character based companies has helped to refine my skills, precision and attention to detail as well as develop a discipline towards deadlines.
I am an artist in everything I do, it has greatly enriched my life, fulfilling a compelling need to create - an addiction to the fleeting sense of discovery it brings. It is this ongoing process of creative discovery that I try to share.
born Balham, London 1965
Tooting, Mitcham and Armagh
reggae, soul, electronic
St Peters and Pauls
St Thomas of Canterbury
Wimbledon College
Art 'O' level
Macky D's
Printing apprenticeship
T.A
mod/ scooter boy/ casual/ raver
Hod carrier, labourer
back to school 'o's + 'a's
Foundation Diploma Wimbledon School of Art
Degree BA Hons Fine Art Newcastle Polytechnic
Dad
Dole
Dad
Modelmaker
Sculptor of Licensed Characters
Dad
Artist .....
Albemarle Gallery
49 Albemarle St London W1S 4JR
10 Jan - 2 Feb 2013
London Art Fair
Business Design Center London N1 0QH
16 Jan - 20 Jan 2013
Albemarle Gallery
49 Albemarle St London W1S 4JR
1 Aug - 31 Aug 2013
Brewery Tap 'On Tap'
53 Tontine St Folkestone CT20 1JR
6 June - 9 June 2014
Crate. 1 Bilton Square Margate CT9 1EE
5 Sept - 12 Sept 2014
Bentlif Gallery 'Response'
St Faiths St Maidstone ME14 1LH
8 Nov - 29 Nov 2014
The Horsebridge 'Soil"
11 Horsebridge Road Whitstable CT5 1AF
21 Jan - 27 Jan 2015
LCA Launch
Store Street Gallery London WC1E 7BS
19 Feb - 11 March 2015
Bentlif Open Art Prize
St Faiths St Maidstone ME14 1LH
13 March - 3 May 2015
Affordable Art Fair
London Contemporary Art
Battersea Park London SW11 4NJ
11 March - 15 March 2015
The Other Art Fair
Victoria House Bloomsbury WC1 4DA
23 April - 26 April 2015
The Other Art Fair
Arnolfini Gallery
Bristol BS1 4QA
5 June - 7 June 2015
The Exhibit
12 Balham Station Rd SW12 9SG
10 Sept - 10 Dec 2015
The Other Art Fair
Old Truman Brewery
London E1 6QR
15-18 Oct 2015
Luminaire Arts
19 Grosvenor Place
London SW1 7HT
10 March -