Is our ego a primary component of our art?  Are artists really just putting their ego out for public display?  Is it possible to create art without the ego getting in the way?  These are all questions that come to mind after researching Dallas artist Steve Tate.  Steve has been a successful businessman and a few years ago took the leap and became a full-time studio artist. 

After attending Steve's opening at Reflection Gallery in Dallas I was intrigued to learn more about him.  What I found when reading his website and MySpace page is that he isn't listed as stevetate.com...his domain is www.shebaart.com.  Reading his information he states that he doesn't promote as Steve Tate so as to keep his ego out of the mix.  Again...is that really possible?

Those who look at the world a bit more spiritually believe that ego or EGO stands for Edging God Out.  If that's the case then keeping the ego out allows the artist to be a conduit for their art.  It gives the artist the freedom to create with a flow or fluency that might get stifled in an ego bound studio setting.  This leads me to ask (pertaining to others, I know the answer for myself) does leaving the ego outside the studio make us better artists. 

There were two pieces that really caught my attention at the opening.  They are "Copper Canyon" and "Quenched Light".  The pieces have a very organic feel.  They don't feel forced or contrived, but fit the context of a fluent creation.  Throughout my visit to the gallery Steve has a confidence that serves him well creating relationships with potential collectors.  The show was running for five weeks and I heard Steve say that he'll be at the gallery every Friday night for the run of the show...that's good marketing.

Creatively flowing...
Greg

coaching artists to create successful and sustainable art businesses