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STEVEN SPIRO |
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Drawing inspiration from nature, dreams, and spirituality, Steven Spiro creates organic, expressionistic furniture forms in wood. The pieces are at once evocative and functional. The curved surfaces and warm tones exude a calm presence, while the imagery suggests worlds within worlds...all based on the given beauty of the wood itself.
I like my forms to be comfortable for the body—to be used daily by collectors and integrated into the life of the home. The careful detailing and gentle lines bring a certain calm to a space—a mood of warmth and energy. I have always made functional objects because I love the connection to the body and to everyday life.
Spiro began his artistic adventuring as a young child in the sandbox, and found ways to continue the process in other, more permanent media. The first piece of furniture he made was a cradle for his now 38-year-old daughter. He has worked in wood ever since. There was a time in the 90’s when he received national attention for his work, but for the past fifteen years he has remained secluded at his beautiful southwest Wisconsin homestead. The early exposure has allowed him to continue his work and lifestyle steadily since.
His house—which he shares with his wife Susan—is handmade, as is his studio. He is surrounded by rugged terrain and over one hundred acres of wild woodland, creeks, and prairie. The landscape informs his works deeply. His creations consist of many locally grown hardwoods, as well as a few exotic woods.
Much of the imagery in the furniture is map-like, referring to the life of the tree, the seven directions, the earth, the sky, water and living forms. There is no stain or paint used in any piece. All detailing is done one piece at a time, using the natural colors of the woods. Each piece is unique, and very time-consuming to produce. The finish is a near-waterproof urethane, which is maintenance-free.
Spiro’s work appears in many collections, including those of: HH The Dalai Lama, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Diane Ladd, Larry Hagman, Rue Mclanahan, S.C Johnson and others. It has been exhibited nationally. It appears in McLarry Modern through Mr. Spiro’s connection with the abstract painter Poteet Victory. It is shown in only one other gallery in the U.S. This very kind artist is quick to let you know that his mother thinks his work is great too!
I am very limited as to how many pieces I can create in a year, so I am not looking for more venues. I do feel that my pieces resonate with the landscape and cultures of Santa Fe and am happy to be showing the work there once again.
Mr. Spiro is open to taking commissions. He often creates pieces based upon a collector’s needs. Commissions require up to six-months’ lead time.