Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Tate.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was an Executive Vice President for 17 years of my life. I worked myself to sickness and realized there had to be more to life than a job that was killing you. During those years, I painted in secrete under a pseudonym name so my company wouldn’t know what I was doing. Over time as I surrounded myself with other artists and continued to master my technique. I started doing art shows and was doing well and realized that this was my passion and what I wanted to do with my life. I then made a crazy decision and left a celebrated career; in which everyone said was crazy and became a full-time artist. Over time I found more and more success and ended up moving to Monte Carlo and selling art throughout Europe. Having a studio in France that overlooked the Mediterranean sea had a huge impact on my art (the colors, texture and technique) But Dallas is my home and I returned with a new vision for where I wanted to take my art.
A Complex Man uncomplicated his life in a seemingly complex way.
The art is as diverse and complicated as its creator Stevie Tate. His life and his art has gone from one extreme to the other and back again. How great it is to be alive! “his says”
While spending 16 years in the corporate world with many hours devoted to the love of his company, Steve’s inner creative voices would not quiet themselves. In between raising a family, corporate meetings, conference calls and long hours in airports to and from business trips, Steve wrote the rough drafts to several books he hoped to one day publish; he wrote songs that he loves to play on his guitar. He recorded in his journal many thoughts, ideas, inventions, created business plans and ideas for new business concepts, but only dabbled with the idea of painting on canvas. With 16 years of experience working with paints, it was intention that led Stevie to put emotions and paint on canvas. For some years, he painted on nights and weekends all the while creating a following of admirers for his art. It was quickly realized from others that his art was something to be shared with the world. But not him, yet! Steve’s art took on many transformations, as did he, no two pieces are alike. With Steve’s technique it is all but impossible to recreate one piece to the next. The beauty, energy and depths of his painting he states “comes from a place he can not explain”
Asked? What do you feel when you paint? “Oh, that question…” I feel love, anger, excitement, confusion, and peace. I’m usually very happy because I have the music cranked up, I’m rocking and full of energy. I’m doing what I want to be doing. I find myself again, and then I can give to others.
What inspires you to continue painting? The element of surprise, wonder and revelation. Not knowing what will come out of the painting. It’s like coming to corner in my life and not knowing what’s around it. It’s all about being in the present moment!
What do you want people to see or feel when they view your art? My art is created to be viewed up close and personal, It is designed to be enjoyed. Like looking at a snowflake or spider web I don’t want my art to appear restricted. I want it to carry one’s mind off of the canvas to somewhere special for them. Like it does for me.
Why do you put your poems and writings with your art? Because to me, they come from the same place within me. My words are the way that I describe my feelings, and my feelings are what creates the art! To me, they are one in the same, just different ways if expressing it.
Now sitting at the same desk he used to make million dollar deals at Stevie prepares for the day at the studio and contemplates the things that are important in life. He calls the kids, prays and dreams about the next painting. With an upcoming art show there is still much work to be done, but work that brings a smile to his face and the people around him. Life is to short to die too quickly!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Every dream has its challenges. Being an artist you must manage every aspect of your business. You are the Painter, the marketing team, the janitor, the accountant and everything in between. It’s difficult to wear so many hats.
It also takes a long time to gain entry into a very small market. You have to spend a lot of time understanding your clients, galleries, interior designers and how to sell without being a salesman.
It’s also very expensive. Painting supplies are expensive and sometimes sales are sporadic. Understanding how to manage inventory and expenses is a must.
No… Not a smooth road!
Please tell us more about your art.
What sets me apart from other artists is that I write what I call romanticism about each piece. Essentially these writings are about what I was thinking, feeling and experiencing while I was working on the painting. I have become known as the painter who puts words with art.
TATE An American MODERN ABSTRACT ARTIST
A Relationship of Thoughts, Feelings & Emotions on Canvas
Tate works out of both the United States and Europe. He has over 20 years of experience working with paints and applications. His resume includes several shows in New York, Monaco, and Dallas to name a few. There is a long list of interviews, acknowledgments and videos that are a mere glimpse into his accomplished narration.
His paintings hang in some of the finest homes in the world and he holds an international identity card for professional artists from Monaco.
His work is described as “one of a kind,” “like no other,” “magical.” He is also known for writing poetic romanticism from the heart about each piece.
He states, “Secretly my soul waits for God to speak. While I wait… I paint. It has taken me a lifetime to find something that is uniquely me.”
Tate’s art is a story, a romance, a journey, and sometimes an accident. The origin of each piece simply comes from humility.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was like most young men, I wanted to be successful. So I went to college and got a job and worked my way to the top. I was very committed, focused and motivated. I never really had a creative side that I knew of, but it was there and just waiting.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5714 Southwestern Blvd Dallas TX
- Website: tateartgallery.com
- Phone: 214.679.5690
- Email: stevetateart@gmail.com
- Instagram: stevetateartist
- Facebook: Steve Tate Modern Abstract Artist
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