Maybe best-known for his detailed tree ring drawings, Atlanta artist Steven L. Anderson works in a variety of media to explore the power and beauty of nature. Over time. And on us.
Artist: Grew up in Ann Arbor, MI, and graduated from University of Michigan and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he earned a BFA.
Since college, Anderson has worked as a graphic designer and art director in Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta, all while making and showing his artwork.
Company/studio: Steven L. Anderson, started his art practice in 1998. In Atlanta, he shares studio space in the Mechanicsville/West End neighborhood with two other artists, a photographer and Day & Night Projects. The gallery is a space for non-commercial art projects and experiments that he directs with fellow artist William Downs.
In the beginning: Graduated from the University of Michigan in 1993 with no prospects and was invited to hang out as an ex-pat with his cousin in Prague, the Czech Republic.
Anderson was inspired by the musicians, writers and artists he met there. When he came back to the states, he was determined to go back to school to learn how to become an artist and graphic designer.
Art & materials: Drawings, paintings, video, and sculpture with images of roots, ferns, tree rings and other sources in nature.
Materials vary, but include:
- Markers, ink, charcoal and acrylic on collaged paper.
- Wood stain, paracord and burlap on wood panel.
- Bright, alcohol-based ink poured over saturated fabric.
- Spray paint on canvas and with stencils.
- Steel. Used for example in a permanent installation at Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Atlanta, GA.
What’s popular: Tree Ring artworks ($1,000 to $20,000).
Other favorites: New drawings and paintings of ferns ($2,750 to $8,000).
Favorite new tool: A long-handled dagger brush that can pull ink in a mile-long line.
Inspirations:
- Being in nature.
- Big paintings in museums
- Contemporary art of all kinds
- Jazz, hip hop and books.
- “Art Noveau’s visual style always seems to hit me right in the gizzard, but I have to keep it arm’s length so my work remains my own.”
Recent honors: Artists Project Grant from the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, 2022.
What’s new:
- Solo show, “How to Know the Ferns,” at Kai Lin Art, Atlanta, GA. Through April 21.
- Playing with gold leaf and book cloth to show his love for library books.
What’s next:
- ArtFields, Lake City, SC. April 19–29.
- Unveiling of commissioned artwork at Winship Cancer Center, Atlanta, GA. May 2023.
- Solo show at Good News Arts, High Springs, FL. Fall 2023
Where to buy: Stevenlanderson.com or kailinart.com
Get social: Instagram: @stevenl.anderson and @daynightprojects
