Irvine, Steve

Born in Los Angeles, Steve Irvine has been inspired by Hawaii’s beauty since moving here in 1969. He assisted print maker James Koga in a printmaking workshop and in 1981 traveled to China on an art study tour with Linus Chao, who strongly influenced his work. He received a Liberal Arts B.A. from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo in 1982.
Former curator of Arco’s Art Collection, Leila Maele said; “Irvine’s style spans a variety of influences, combining strong academic training with a craftsman’s proficient technique. His palette goes from cool to desert heat, evoked by his absorption with color variations. Known for allusion and reference, his paintings can also be appreciated on a level of personal saga and involvement, with-out reference to the literary or to artists he admires. His art over the years has become increasingly complex, and many recent works reflect his concern with political and social issues.”
Steve’s work has been included in most of the spring and fall juried shows on the Big Island as well as state-wide shows for the last 20 years. Along the way he has received numerous awards for oil painting and mixed media. His work has also been purchased by the Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
“My Artistic Goal is to bring Magic to the public through my paintings and drawings.,” Steve says. “I seek to create a unifying vision, to show inner and outer space, ourselves, and the other, as all part of the same electric and eclectic tapestry.”