1xRun Thru Interview
Butterfly Trap by Steven Lopez
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece…
Steven Lopez: This piece is part of my upcoming solo show at Gallery at the Jupiter in Portland, Oregon. Opening night is October 3rd and my work will be on display October 1st through November 18th. The original is painted on canvas with Nova Color acrylic paint. The under painting was applied by brush with coarse textures executed by palette knife.
1xRun: Is this original still for sale?
Steven Lopez: Yes, it will be for sale at my upcoming show opening ‘Gallery at the Jupiter’ in Portland, Oregon on October 3rd.
1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent show that you had?
Steven Lopez: It’s part of my upcoming show. I’ve been exploring the monarch butterfly pattern on my portraits and while I enjoyed that aspect I wanted to understand how I could use it in other situations.
1xRUN: Materials printed drawn with?
Steven Lopez: The initial sketch was drawn with ink and white pigment.
1xRun: When was the piece created?
Steven Lopez: Summer 2014.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about.
Steven Lopez: I first drew the figure in my sketchbook while looking at the muse. I liked the flow of the drawing and pondered how I could use it in a painting. A few days later I came up with the idea while listening to Jamiroquai’s “Butterfly.”
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Steven Lopez: It was rotated amongst a group of paintings within a two week period.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Steven Lopez: This was the first time I added distress to the derrière.
1xRun: Why should people buy this piece?
Steven Lopez: I feel it can stimulate a conversation because it’s a colorful look on the entrapment of attraction between two spirits.
1xRun: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Steven Lopez: Romance.
1xRun: You touched on it briefly but tell us about this upcoming show that you’ve got that opens the same day as this print release, is this a body of all new work?
Steven Lopez: Yes it is! I’m currently enamored with utilizing animal print as a way to pronounce emotional situations. It’s helped add an extra dimension in my work. I have a few pieces that explore a more looser side while holding onto the core of my style.
1xRun: How long have you been working on this latest body of work?
Steven Lopez: I started this body of work in June.
1xRun: Any recent collaborations or artists that have been inspiring you to push yourself?
Steven Lopez: I like the work of N.C. Winters. His use of organic texture made me figure out how I could do the same with my stuff. Also, Dan Quintana and his subtle use of highlights is moving to me.
1xRun: What are some of the strides you feel you’ve made in this latest body of work?
Steven Lopez: Under painting has been a big focal point for me. It’s helped me understand how to trap light and distinguish shadows with greater dexterity. A new door has opened which makes me feel like I’m learning all over again.
1xRun: Anything you’d like to add that we didn’t touch on?
Steven Lopez: My work will be represented by Gauntlet Gallery at SCOPE later this year.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Steven Lopez: – Website – Facebook – Instagram @ikeepmoving
-1xRUN