Sheffer Gallery
August 1 through October 5
Reception: Wednesday, August 13, 6-8 pm, in the Trefz Forum; click here for more information.
(Reception kicks off at 6 pm, followed by a conversation between Moen and Miggs Burroughs at 7 pm.)
For artist Steve Moen, painting is a process of returning — both to physical places and emotional landscapes. Inspired by the rhythms of nature and the unique colors of a scene, this series began with visits back to Westport, where Moen's childhood memories live in the tidal marshes and the rocks and boulders along the shore. Each piece starts with small studies created on-site — watercolors, quick oils on tin flashing, or digital sketches on an iPhone — then evolves in the studio into larger works. Color perception, memory, and emotion guide the process. Poetry, especially haiku, often plays a quiet role, offering focus and emotional resonance. The handmade pine floater frames, stained with a natural mixture of steel wool and vinegar, are the final touch — simple and thoughtful, like the paintings themselves.
On the topic of his artistic process, Moen said, "It begins with the rhythms and colors that make a place unique. The seasons, time of day, shifting tides, weather, the force of a stream or river — how did those boulders come to rest where they are? Some forces are ancient, like rock sculpted by the river. Others are sudden and fleeting, like wind across water or a cloud casting momentary shadow. Add color to this mix, and the possibilities become endless."
Moen is fascinated by the perception of light and color — the magnetic spectrum, the shifting tones in nature, and the visual magic of simultaneous color contrast. He considers painting a problem-solving adventure, one that engages both intellect and emotion. Each piece, large or small, finds its own path to completion, however long that may take. Over days or weeks, a dialogue unfolds between poem and image.
He also enjoy making the frames for his paintings. Most are floater frames built from pine, stained with a homemade mix of vinegar and steel wool that reacts with the wood’s tannins, then sealed with lacquer. Framing is the final act of care, completing the journey of each painting.
"Landscape is my starting point. … Color is my main focus. … I begin with intuition, follow with exploration, and embrace the challenge of making something both thoughtful and felt. … In the end, I aim for a painting where composition and color speak deeply to the viewer."
***
For more about the Library art exhibits, visit the Art at the Library page.
