ArtPrize 2012 Steve Prince Vote 52108
Bird in Hand: Second Line for Michigan
9' x 20' Graphite Drawing | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson SE
Steve Prince - "Bird in Hand: Second Line for Michigan"
It has been such a joy creating "Bird in Hand" and watching it develop each day. What has been equally rewarding is the conversations with various people in the hallway that have approached me and asked questions. The piece has been an extension of my evangelism and I have been able to express the biblical truths inscribed in the image on a communal scale. The Second Line is a communal event circulating around mourning and passing. The second line deals with the "Second Life". For me, the conceptual construction of this piece echoes what Christ said to Nicodemus, that in order for us to enter into the kingdom of Heaven we must be reborn. The image is about rebirth of a community collectively joining together in celebration of the power of the Holy Spirit to renew those things that were considered dead. -- Steve Prince
Come and See Steve
Steve will be at Westminster Sept 19 - 23
Thurs, Sept 20 6:00 - 9:00 pm
ArtPrize Artist Reception
Friday, Sept 21 7:00 pm
Lecture: The Power of the Second Line
A Call for Michigan's Rebirth & Renewal
Sunday, Sept 23 1:00 pm
Lecture: The Creation of Bird in Hand
The Power of the Second Line
A Call for Michigan's Rebirth & Renewal
Lecture on Friday - Sept 21 - 7:00 pm | Westminster Presbyterian Church | 47 Jefferson SE
Steve Prince is an artist who creates powerful images that explore issues of social justice, history, culture and faith. He is founder of "One Fish Studio" based in Silver Springs, Maryland and he teaches art at Montgomery College. Steve is a native of New Orleans and the city's rich tradition of art, music and religion pulsate through his art.
Printmaking & drawing are Steve's primary mediums. He uses the language of the line to create complex narrative images that speak through a rich, visual vocabulary of signs and symbols. The result is art that is interwoven with social metaphors and symbolic messages expressing Steve's unique vision founded in hope, faith and community.
On Friday Steve will talk about the "The Power of the Second Line" as a transformative spiritual metaphor for loss and renewal. Steve uses the New Orleans' funerary tradition of the "Dirge" and "Second Line" as inspiration for his epic 9' x 20' graphite drawing. He'll discuss the making of "Bird in Hand" and how the Second Line has become his personal symbol for spiritual rejuvenation and growth.
In New Orleans, funerals start with the mournful "Dirge" - a lament for the dead. After the dead are laid to rest, the music is transformed into the syncopated rhythms of the "Second Line" - a musical celebration of renewal & new life. The Second Line is about the rebirth of a community collectively joining together in celebration of the power of the Holy Spirit to renew all things.
In "Bird in Hand: Second Line for Michigan" the Dirge mourns Michigan's economic downturn and loss of jobs. But as we work together, the Second Line becomes a transformative metaphor for Michigan, helping us unite to rebuild and regenerate our future. The Second Line becomes a balm for Michigan; a way we can join together to rejuvenate our communities and create a revitalized world founded in grace, growth and renewal.
Steve has a strong creative presence in West Michigan. He received an MFA in Printmaking & Sculpture from Michigan State. In 2004 Steve was featured in the Grand Rapids Art Museum's "Visualizing the Blues" exhibit. He has had several large, one-man shows at the Eyekons Gallery and has been a regular workshop presenter at the Calvin Symposium of Worship over the past 7 years.
Click to See Video
Steve explains "Bird in Hand"
Click to See Slideshow
Portfolio of Lino-cut Prints & Drawings
Click to See Slideshow
"The Making of Second Line for Michigan"
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO ABOUT STEVE PRINCE: EMAIL: amy@eyekons.com CALL: (855) 677-2929