Steven Lamb
Steven Lamb is a full-time renowned artist based in Montreal, Canada, with several decades of experience. Known for his whimsical figurative paintings, primarily in oil, Lamb's unique style is characterized by his comical perspective on the world. His work aims to reintroduce laughter and humour into people's lives, offering a light-hearted escape through art. Recently, Lamb has transitioned from his signature whimsical and grotesque style to explore new artistic territories. His latest works delve into surrealism and fantasy, drawing inspiration from dreams and the subconscious. This shift allows him to push the boundaries of traditional art forms, creating vivid and intricate pieces. Lamb's art is a vibrant tapestry of colours and patterns that captivates viewers, inviting them to delve into the narratives woven into each piece. His exploration of universal themes—such as the human quest for knowledge, resilience in the face of adversity, and the eternal search for spiritual growth—ensures that his work resonates with a diverse audience. Each painting is a testament to Lamb’s unbridled creativity and unwavering commitment to pushing the art world’s boundaries.
Steven, can you take us back to the beginning and share what initially drew you to start painting? Was there a particular moment or influence that propelled you to take this path?
I was naturally creative from a young age, always humming tunes, engaging in imaginative play, and sketching. My parents, astute in recognizing my potential, decided to foster my creativity. They had a Yamaha piano at home, which my father occasionally played. When I turned nine, they enrolled me in a piano course at a community center. Despite my initial talent, I found reading music to be a challenge. My interest waned, and I used my parents' money for amusement parks and local pastry shops. That led to a disappointing moment for my parents when they attended a concert I was supposed to perform in, only to discover I had not been attending my lessons. However, a pivotal moment came when I created an illustration based on La Fontaine's fable 'The Fox and the Raven' for school. My teacher's silent recognition, awarding me the highest grade, spoke volumes. At that moment, I knew I wanted to become an artist. I shared my determination with my parents, and one evening, I overheard them discussing my future. They agreed to support me in my passion for art. Soon after, they enrolled me in a Weekend school at the Drawing Workshop at the Palace of the Pioneers. My new teacher humorously noted that I was talented and absent-minded, a combination that could make a good artist. My journey as an artist was not always smooth. High school was demanding and limited my time for drawing and painting, yet I remained prolific.
In the different career stages, what were the main obstacles you encountered? How did you overcome these challenges to find success in the art world?
After graduating from the Art Academy in Leipzig, Germany, I returned to my birthplace, Bulgaria. As a young man with a family, I worked hard to make a living, designing book covers and creating illustrations. Despite working in the art field, my true passion was painting. I devoted all my limited free time to making paintings. 1990 I emigrated to Canada, where the initial years were particularly challenging. I took various jobs to support my family, from working in a parking lot to delivering pizzas and junk mail. After my divorce in 1995, I had more free time to dedicate to my art. I was fortunate to connect with an art collector who started buying my work, although he paid me very little. After two years, I moved on from that relationship. Life continued to be a challenge as I juggled various jobs, making it difficult to find time for painting. But my passion for painting remained unwavering. In 1996, I took a part-time job with a company that printed my work, a small step towards my artistic goals. My breakthrough came when I collaborated with an art agent who bought all my paintings for about 20 years. Unfortunately, I lost him, but I continued working independently with clients and online galleries.
Who were your role models when you first began painting, and which artists have had the most significant influence on your style? How have these influences evolved over the years?
Since painting, I have felt the need to distort and exaggerate forms. In my early career stages, I did not include humour or laughter in my paintings. I have always been naturally attracted to artists who use grotesque and distortion as a means of expression. Initially, I began by making copies of the caricatures from Jean Effel's "The Creation of the World." Later, I started to admire French painters like Honoré Daumier and Toulouse-Lautrec. From the beginning, I could distinguish between caricature and grotesque. As my career progressed, I discovered I inherently possess a comical perception of the world. I enjoyed ridiculing and mimicking funny situations, which began to influence my art. I have concluded that what matters most is the human ability to laugh. My artistic journey has led me to a style that reflects the understanding of human nature's serious and humorous aspects. Until recently, my work was influenced by artists like Botero, Corneliu Baba, and Egon Schiele. However, my current style is a departure from these influences. It is a product of my dreams and visions during meditation, often featuring images that may be from my past lives. This personal and reflective approach to my art is what sets it apart.
You've mentioned changing your style and approach to painting over time. What prompted these changes, and how did they manifest in your work?
Recently, I changed my approach to painting. The surreal times we experienced, along with the heavy flu (not COVID-19) surgery due to a dental infection and also getting older, have altered my view of the world. I have become much more spiritual and have been dreaming a lot more. The reflection of dreams is fundamental to surrealism, influenced by Freud's philosophy. In my case, I am not sure if my works are surrealistic, but they are indeed based on my visions and dreams. This shift also resulted from feeling tired of my previous style. The new approach is entirely different; it comes from within. I am using different imagery to support my realistic visions. Existing subjects inspired my previous style, which I observed in real life and often photographed. I always saw these subjects with a sense of laughter and distortion, which I then applied to the canvas. One particular painting emerged from a dream I remembered vividly. It had something important to convey. The imagination and imagery came from somewhere beyond, and I decided to paint what I saw. I thought of it as the song of the moon.
Your work often touches on deep philosophical themes about existence and consciousness. Can you elaborate on how these concepts influence your creative process and the themes you explore?
Certainly! Philosophical concepts of existence and consciousness deeply influence my creative process and the themes I explore. These themes provide a foundation for diving into complex human experiences, questions, and emotions. Here's how they influence my work: Exploring the fundamental questions of existence—such as "Why are we here?" and "What is the purpose of life?"—allows for narratives that resonate and reflect deeply. Drawing from existentialist philosophy, the tension between the search for meaning and the inherent absurdity of life is a recurring theme. This tension allows for the creation of narratives where characters struggle with and confront the chaos and randomness of the universe, ultimately seeking (or rejecting) personal meaning. Philosophical discussions on ethics and morality shape the conflicts and resolutions in my work. By presenting characters with ethical dilemmas and their decision-making processes, I can explore right and wrong, justice, and the consequences of actions. By integrating these philosophical themes, I aim to create content that entertains and provokes thought and introspection, encouraging viewers to question and reflect on their views about existence and consciousness.
How would you describe your previous distinctive style to someone who has never seen your work? What elements define it as 'whimsical and grotesque'?
My art is a fusion of mediums, creating a world where humour intertwines with serious themes, adding depth and meaning to each piece. Through observing popular culture and understanding human nature, I portray the human condition with a blend of the interesting and the mundane. My characters, always comic, distorted, and exaggerated, are crafted to be instantly recognizable. This exaggerated portrayal accentuates the quirks of human behaviour, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound aspects of life through a lens of humour. By blending the extraordinary with the mundane, my work aims to initiate a dialogue about the intricacies of existence. My art is a vibrant exploration of the human experience, offering a unique, thought-provoking and entertaining perspective. Each piece is a testament to the intricate dance between humour and gravity, capturing what it means to be human.
How would you describe your recent style? What elements define it as 'fantastic and realistic?
My current body of work marks a significant departure from traditional representations of the external world. Instead, it is a deep exploration of my inner experiences and dreams. This introspective approach allows me to convey personal and significant narratives through my paintings. I describe my new style as Fantastic with surreal elements. The creative process begins with vividly remembered dreams that form the foundation of my compositions. These dreamscapes are then brought to life with realistic imagery, meticulously crafted to bridge the gap between the internal and external worlds. Each piece is a conduit between the subconscious and reality, capturing the essence of my inner visions and translating them onto the canvas. Fantastic Realism is characterized by its surreal elements, blending the fantastical with the real to create immersive and evocative scenes. Through this style, I aim to share the richness of my subconscious, inviting viewers to journey into the depths of their imaginations and dreams.
Is there a particular piece that best communicates your message and shares the story behind it?
I consider the artwork "SCREAMING SILENTLY IN SPACE "the most significant work of my career. It is an important work because it encapsulates a profound narrative about the birth of consciousness and the inherent loneliness accompanying self-awareness. The vibrant, carnival-dressed creatures against the vast emptiness of space evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue and create a striking contrast. It is a thought-provoking piece that invites viewers to contemplate the human condition and the mysteries of existence. The title adds another layer of complexity to the artwork's theme. It suggests a paradoxical state of being, where the creatures are screaming and silent, reflecting the internal turmoil and existential angst that can accompany consciousness.
What future projects or new themes will you explore in your upcoming works? Are there any new techniques you want to integrate into your future pieces?
I intend to be more active in showing my work in online galleries, Art Books, and Catalogs. I also create many videos advertising my art and the art process. Also, I plan to continue working on my new style and period and have many new ideas based on my dreams and visions. They are still sketches and will slowly form into Fantastic realistic paintings. The new themes will include the theme of the Carousel, Carnival, naked bodies, and masks—a transfer of natural static objects into vivid life beings. I plan to involve much more colourful imagery. Also, considering that I am familiar with graphic techniques, like etching, lithography, and gravure on wood, I am eager to print some of them on canvas and mix them with the painting techniques I use now.