Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Lester.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steven. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a native of Atlanta and studied art at Georgia State University. While in school I began my career as a commercial sports illustrator and soon became the Creative Director of Turner Broadcasting System during the years when Ted Turner also owned the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks. I got a taste for creating TV commercials and became a highly successful Vice President, Creative Director for two international advertising agencies, winning more than 100 national and international awards.
Now after nearly four decades of working in the commercial field, I have journeyed back to my fine art roots. I have a commitment to never stop learning and to never ever stop growing. I began taking up painting again, but this time, it was for my own personal enjoyment. As I began to hone my craft and gain more exposure, I found that there was a demand for my art. Almost 90% of my income is from custom, commissioned paintings. I have now fully embraced my love of painting and have produced more than 200 paintings in 2 years. My tools of the trade are the aggregate of my experiences…the storehouse of a lifetime of insatiable curiosity. I have had the privilege of traveling the world, exploring art and creating paintings from Russia to India to Africa.
I was tapped as featured ‘artist of the month’ by The National Art Museum of Sport (NAMOS), a fine art museum based in Indianapolis. I also have paintings in personal and private collections all over the nation, including the Billy Graham Library, The American Sports Art Museum, REI Coop and the Georgia State University Stadium. This year, I had three solo shows in three different states, was featured artist this year on Artsy Shark, won best in the overall category in an international art exhibition in Miami Florida, staged a live painting event at the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga, TN., and had gallery representation in Laguna Beach, CA.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am indeed blessed and have been successful in numerous endeavors, but, like anything worthwhile, it comes with its share of struggles. During the early years of my career, I struggled to balance the demands of a heavy workload and a growing family. With two children adopted from foreign countries, the need for the presence of a strong, loving father was obvious. But my work often would take me away for weeks at a time.
Additionally, as a committed Christian, I often faced ethical dilemmas that placed me in direct opposition to my peers or those in authority over me. We chose the high road and many times met with rejection or alienation. But ultimately, our faith and vision helped us to prevail and even thrive.
Our children are now grown and we are now enjoying a unique season of fruitfulness and blessings.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Steven Lester Fine Art – what should we know?
I am most known for my portraits and my dynamic paintings of sports figures and themes, but I also enjoy boldly colored, impressionistic landscapes and urban themes.
I have endeavored to hone my craft in such a way as to resonate on an emotional, visceral level. Traditional expression and contemporary abstraction and a generous blend of the two. I find unconventional connections between ideas and repeatedly traverse from the left to the right side of my brain to persuade through a compelling point of view; to tell a good story.
My objective is to create art that expresses feeling and engages the heart…to invite the viewer into a moment in time. Sometimes it’s the power and movement, and other times it’s an iconic gesture. Another instance might be the swirling of color and light as cool blue shadows are cast across the warm green grass. These moments resonate in my mind…and provoke once again, fascination, awe, and wonder.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Most notably, Rosemary, my wife of 40 years. She is not only my best cheerleader but also my partner in everything I do. The life of an artist can be very peculiar and demanding. I cannot imagine ever having been successful without her loving support and encouragement.
Pricing:
- Prices for Custom Paintings start at $2500 and vary based upon size and complexity.
Contact Info:
- Address: 350 Woodbrook Crest
Canton, GA 30114 - Website: www.stevenlesterartstudio.com
- Phone: 7044416534
- Email: splester@msn.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stevenlesterartist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lestercreative
- Twitter: twitter.com/lestercreative
- Other: www.stevenlesterportraits.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
