We recently connected with Steven Lush and have shared our conversation below.
Steven, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
When I think about risk in my art, it’s not about being bold for the sake of it—it’s about constantly pushing myself to explore new techniques, mediums, and ideas. In my maritime paintings, I take risks through precision, capturing the ever-changing movement of water, the play of light, and the atmosphere of a fleeting moment. It’s a challenge to bring realism to life in a way that feels fresh and immersive.
But my work doesn’t stop at painting. Moving into welded steel sculpture forced me to rethink form and structure entirely. Steel is raw, heavy, and unyielding, yet I work to shape it into something dynamic—playing with balance, movement, and space in ways that challenge both me as an artist and the viewer’s expectations.
Then there’s my collage work, which allows me to experiment with layers, textures, and abstraction. It’s a different kind of risk—one of composition, storytelling, and embracing the unexpected. Each piece, whether on canvas, in metal, or through mixed media, is an exploration of control and spontaneity, tradition and innovation.
For me, taking risks in art isn’t about shock value. It’s about constantly evolving, learning, and pushing beyond what’s comfortable. That’s where the most exciting work happens.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I work across multiple mediums, including collage, metal sculpture, watercolor, and oil. My work is deeply influenced by history, the sea, and architectural structures, all of which shape my creative exploration.
While I am widely recognized for my maritime paintings, collage introduced me to a new way of layering textures and fragments of history—an approach that ultimately inspired my work in metal sculpture. Using found objects and industrial materials, my sculptures transform rigid forms into fluid, dynamic compositions, echoing the movement of ships and the geometry of structures.
Each medium serves a distinct purpose—watercolor captures the fleeting nature of light and atmosphere, oil provides depth and richness, collage builds narratives through texture and layering, and metal sculpture adds a physical, dimensional presence. What unifies my work is a commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling, whether on canvas, paper, or in sculptural form.
By merging technical precision with artistic intuition, I create works that evoke memory, movement, and connection. Whether it’s a timeless maritime work, a layered collage, or an industrially constructed sculpture, my goal is to inspire a sense of place and history through material, form and light.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an artist, the most rewarding part of my journey has been the freedom to explore and express my ever-evolving vision. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in a variety of mediums—watercolors, oils, collage, mixed media, and welded steel sculptures. Each one has been a stepping stone, shaping not only the way I create but also how I see the world. This exploration has allowed me to transform my earlier representational works into bold, vibrant, and dynamic pieces that reflect my growth and adaptability.
What truly keeps my passion alive is the opportunity to revisit and reinterpret my own creations, breathing fresh life into them. It’s this constant evolution that excites me and fuels my desire to share my perspective with others. For me, art isn’t just about creating—it’s about connecting, growing, and inviting you to see the world as I do.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by an insatiable need to explore, experiment, and express the essence of what moves me. Whether I’m working in abstraction, semi-abstraction, or recognizable forms, and regardless of the medium, my ultimate goal is for my work to carry an unmistakable signature—where someone can look at it and immediately recognize, ‘This is Steve Lush’s art.’ My mission is to stay true to my passion, knowing that despite the trials and struggles, when you dedicate yourself to what you love, the results not only satisfy but also inspire others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevenlush.com
- Instagram: slush49
