Steve Burelison

Steve Burelison

Wood Sculptor

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Artist Statement:

As far back as I can remember I have always liked creating something from nothing. I guess my introduction to art was finger painting in kindergarten. I was always creating shapes and forms out of clay that were unidentifiable to most folks but I could always tell what they were!

I spent most of my time as a youngster in the woods or along a river or lake, so wood is something I’ve always been involved with. I never really thought of art, I just made what was pleasing to my eye and soul. There was no art class available in my small school in Ohio so I became my own teacher- and still am today.

I sculpt in an interpretive style, giving the viewer the opportunity to step into and and complete the sculpture in their own mind, relating to factors in their own lives.

I work primarily with found wood that I pick from the woods and river on my property in southwest Ohio, but I am always looking for interesting pieces wherever I’m at. With each piece I try to create motion and emotion. I feel strongly that one can see and feel humanity even in an inanimate object such as a jug or a pot. I get a feeling of satisfaction, worth almost, from taking an object that was once living and growing but has died or been killed and is simply lying on the forest floor, turning to dust. Picking the piece up and giving it a new forever life for people to enjoy both physically and mentally, in whatever shape or form it tells me it wants to be, is so rewarding.

One of my hopes and goals is to move people with my sculptures, so how a piece touches you can be both physical and emotional. There is no better feeling for me than to have someone see my pieces for the first time and put their hand over their mouth in awe. Not because of the beauty of my work, but because it moves them in some way. To me this shows me they are seeing into the piece and not just looking at it. Sometimes they ask, “Can we touch it?” Of course my reply is always “By all means, please do.” Some may purchase the piece to take home and enjoy every day, some simply enjoy the moment. Both choices carry the same significance to me. I feel I have moved someone, maybe made a difference or lifted them up in some way. That’s what it’s all about for me.

-Steve Burelison

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Steve was raised in Covington, Ohio and lives outside of Bradford, Ohio on a farm with his wife and 4 dogs. Steve spends most of his time sculpting, walking in the woods, and fishing the Stillwater River. He welcomes visitors to his studio and home gallery.

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