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| Photo By Steve Snell |
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Steve Snell
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Miami University student
STEVE SNELL was recently recognized as a
Summerfair artist, an honor given to emerging local artists who are seniors in college. Check out five things that inspire, motivate and help spark his desire to continually create new and intriguing work.
John Wayne. He doesn't take guff from anyone. He does "whatta' man's gotta do." He represents an ideal. He is the strong, restrained, stoic figure who doesn't give in to excess while remaining morally superior to his counterparts. He is a superhuman icon. John Wayne and other film heroes have shaped my impression of our romantic, violent and noble American past.
History and myth. I've long been interested in history, especially how it affects the present. My work deals with a personal understanding and the naiveté concerning our past and its mythical legacy.
A compulsion to create. I feel idle, empty and useless when I'm not making something. The act of creation satisfies an inner drive that would most likely otherwise turn into anxiety or depression.
Social conditions. Whether the classical narration of history or the protest of social injustice, art can transcend cultural, lingual and social boundaries finding a way to speak to people on a higher level.
Other artists. Reading about contemporary artists as well as having conversations with my classmates, professors or even those genuinely interested in art all greatly influences the way I think about my own work.
ARTICULATIONS offers five things important to one of Cincinnati's visual artists. To be considered, contact Jacquelyn Vaughn (jvaughn(at)citybeat.com).
