Meet Steve Lewis, a talented artist hailing from Dividing Creek, NJ! His journey into the world of oil painting began after his elementary teachers recognized his artistic flair and encouraged him to pursue his passion. Under the guidance of local artist Elsie Donaghay, Steve found joy in painting vibrant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating portraits.
As he progressed, he honed his skills at Bridgeton High School under the mentorship of Judith Scull, where he learned innovative drawing and painting techniques. This foundation helped him create a stunning body of work that ultimately led to his acceptance into art colleges. Steve earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the prestigious Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. There, he delved deep into figure studies and explored large-scale painting with renowned artists Joan Semmel and Billie Pritchard, which transformed his style into something more expressive and abstract.
An exciting chapter of his life unfolded when he embarked on a Study Year Abroad at Reading University in England. This opportunity allowed him to travel through Europe, a life-changing experience that eventually inspired him to settle down in the vibrant city of Leipzig, Germany. Later, Steve returned to academia to earn his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, where he collaborated closely with talented painters DP Warner and Steve Emmett. During this time, he began experimenting with integrating sound and lighting effects into his paintings, creating immersive installations.
After completing his studies, Steve returned to Leipzig, where his artistic journey took another turn. He shifted his focus from installations and abstract works back to figurative painting, a move that has led to remarkable success. His artwork has been showcased in galleries such as the Potemka Galerie in Leipzig and Galerie FLOX in Dresden. Notably, he participated in the 5th Mediations Biennale in Poznań, Poland, the 26th Leipziger Jahresausstellung (26th Leipzig Annual Exhibition), and even collaborated with Yoko Ono on the “Water Event” for the Peace is Power exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig.
For the past 20 years, Steve has been sharing his knowledge and passion for art as a teacher at the Leipzig International School, fostering creativity in young minds. Currently, he is on a sabbatical, enjoying extended stays in New Jersey, dedicating more time to his own painting and offer a variety of engaging art workshops.
Steve Lewis is not just an artist; he is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring creatives everywhere. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious to learn more, his story is a testament to the transformative power of art!
