My art career began as a result of having too much time on my hands.
This was in 1970 and I was in Nebraska finishing the balance of my military commitment after returning from Vietnam. There wasn't much to do after my
shift and I needed something to fill the boredom of the long winter. But what?
That question led me to a small stationery and art supply store. I had doodled on the the sides of notebooks throughout high school and college. After browsing through a few art magazines I thought "Hey I think I'll paint"! So I bought a beginners water color set, a few basic brushes and some paper.
it didn't take long for me to want to try oils. I continued painting in the evenings for 15 years.
By then, I had a family and little time to paint. So one day I stopped and never picked up a brush for 20 years.
When I retired from business and once again had time on my hands I again was faced with what to do? By this time I had remarried and my spouse strongly supported and encouraged me to pick up the brush. I then started painting in acrylics. This led to wanting to study art and specific artists and to create my own unique style. Edward Hopper's work has been an inspiration for me.
I am very grateful that painting reemerged in my life and I have been an active member of the New Zone Gallery for over 15 years. The fellowship and appreciation of other artists keeps me focused on my work and busy contributing to the continuation of a great group of artists.
Well, I'm too old too stop now! But it does take me longer to start and to finish a painting.

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Art made from recycled and found objects.

Steve Mast is a self-taught artist based in Eugene, Oregon. Working primarily with recycled metal and found objects, he allows the metal’s natural shape to help guide each piece. He cuts freehand with a plasma torch and welds with a MIG welder to create both 2 and 3 dimensional sculptures for indoor and outdoor use.  Steve began his artistic journey in 2009 after retirement, and since then he has earned invitations to numerous juried art shows across the western United States.  He is currently represented by the New Zone Gallery in Eugene. Steve’s work is showcased nationwide, including  Canada and Mexico.  Patrons are drawn to his capability to reimagine discarded objects as vibrant and unique works of art.  He loves discovering what can be made from things that others have discarded, fulfilling a role in environmental causes.

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Moving pARTS

Moving pARTS showcases the work of SAQA Oregon members who took the challenge to create art that "moves."
Description: Each day we navigate a world interacting with things that have parts that move. As a biological organism, our very bodies have limbs, organs, and cells that function together to carry out various tasks. The mechanized world has gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels that work with other simple machines to form complex machines with many moving parts. SAQA Oregon artists created works that incorporate, highlight, and imply parts that move.

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saqa.com
saqaoregon.com

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