The views and opinions expressed by the artist(s) are their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

Steven Columbus discusses taking life one day at a time and the story behind Play the tape forward.

What's the story behind Play the tape forward?

The battle of living with addiction. The curses of generational trauma that hinder us from living life to the fullest is an epidemic in its own right. I am here to break the chains that bind us to repeating the past.

This piece represents living life one day at a time and cherishing the moments you are given in the present. It is too often we get caught up in life and lose sight of what really is important.

I broke the chains that had me consumed in addiction; I put the bottle down and pursued life. In doing so, led to full custody of my son and a career at the most amazing place, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center!

All it takes is to play the tape forward!

What is something about your art that might surprise the viewer?

There are many hidden things in this piece. Dates of my Papa Tito’s and Dad’s deaths are included to show traumas that influenced my addiction, the belt buckle I received from Clay Crossings Rehabilitation Center for completing their program and remaining sober for a year — just to name a few.

What was your process for creating this piece?

I started out with watercolor paper. The media I used are watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencils, India ink and water-based airbrush paints.

The piece started out as a sketch while enjoying some down time at Oklahoma Contemporary, then was layered with watercolor and gouache. The background was airbrushed in to imitate the feel of having brain fog.

What it is like working with such creative people?

In 2020, my fiancée brought me on a date to Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Immediately I was in love with the atmosphere and the people here. I knew I had to be a part of what was going on here. Two years later I was.

Every day is something new here. From the amazing personalities to the jaw-dropping styles of my fellow coworkers is inspiration in its purest form. There is absolutely nothing that compares to being surrounded by art and the people who create it!

Image:

Steven Columbus, Play the tape forward, 2024. Watercolor, airbrush and gouache on Fabrisso paper.

Tags tags
Exhibitions interview staff