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Narrative

Throwing has always been Steve Allen’s first love in clay. Despite the many creative turns his artwork has taken over the years, he has never strayed far from the wheel. It’s rare to find any of his work that doesn’t include a thrown element. Steve’s work is a cross section of techniques developed over thirty years that includes figurative steampunk sculpture, books, trains, toys, whimsical animals, functional pottery, painting and Raku. Many of these items touch on identity, personal history, social, political and environmental issues.

Steve began a career as machinist in 1983 and worked in the machining trades until 2005. His love for throwing pottery began in 1985 at the Salt Lake Art Center and for sculpting while an undergrad at San Francisco State University, 2001-05. Steve received an MFA from San Francisco State University in 2008. His ceramic sculpture can be found in many private and permanent collections including the de Young Museum, Ceramics Research Center, and Lincoln Public Library. He is an award-winning sculptor and has shown his work nationally and internationally. He creates a variety of artwork from functional pottery to complex sculptural installations.

SMAart Gallery & Studio offers gallery exhibits, studio rentals and ceramic classes. While the center primarily caters to ceramic artists, artists of every media are welcome. Founder Steven M Allen opened SMAart to fulfill a longtime dream of having a place to leArn- shaRe-creaTe ART. Develop your techniques in classes, experience high quality art in the gallery, emerging and resident artists create works in an open environment surrounded by other inspiring artists.

Current Work
Work image 1
Throwing on the wheel
Work Image 4
Steampunk Fish Red-Yellow-Blue
Work image 2
Two Pulleys
Work Image 5
Angler Fish
Work image 3
Steampunk Dog
Work Image 6
Air Ship
Websites and Social Media
Upcoming Events

32nd Annual 30 Ceramic Sculptors Exhibition

April 11 - May 12

32nd Annual 30 Ceramic Sculptors exhibition will be on display at the gallery from April 11th-May 12th.

This exhibition was first conceived in 1986, a collaboration between the late Robert Arneson and John Natsoulas, and continues the ceramic traditions made famous by instructors and students of the University of California, Davis Art Department and the University of California, Davis and local ceramic artists.

John Natsoulas Gallery

521 First Street
Davis, CA 95616

CRYSTAL VAGNIER & STEVE ALLEN: Phantasmagorical
April 6 - 29, 2018
Reception: Friday, April 13, 6-9 PM
 

Steve Allen’s work in Phantasmagorical centers on his most recent figurative ceramic pieces. These imaginary items often come out of his dreams, and are a fusion of human, animal and mechanical subjects. This subjects are rooted in an anachronistic steampunk style, intertwined with a determination to survive a future world where evolution takes on freakish, nevertheless approachable forms.

Steve’s love for throwing pottery began at the Salt Lake Art Center, which he reactivated while an undergraduate student at San Francisco State University, from 2001-05. Steve received an MFA from San Francisco State University in 2008. His ceramic sculpture can be found in many private and permanent collections including the de Young Museum, Ceramics Research Center, and Lincoln Public Library. He is an award-winning sculptor who lives in San Francisco, and has shown his work nationally and internationally.

Crystal Joy Vagnier has been taking photographs since she was a child. Experimenting with 35mm film by way of Holga, Polaroid, and Brownie cameras, she also enjoys tinkering with digital photography. Her subjects include abandoned structures, doorways, creatures, and nature, and her passion resides in juxtaposing opposing images to create a new perspective. Inspired by surrealism, the macabre, and the monotony of the everyday, she thrives on creating pieces that inspire others to rethink their reality. She earned an MFA from the City College of New York and is an award-winning essayist and playwright. Originally from New York, Crystal lives and works in Davis. As she writes, “In Phantasmagorical, I played with juxtaposition and the idea of mirages and dreams. The composite imagery showcased here has origins from real-life travels and together they form a new reality influenced by solitude and desire.”

Pence Gallery
212 D Street, Davis, CA 95616
530.758.3370
Open Hours Tue-Sun 11:30 AM - 5 PM
2nd Friday ArtAbout Reception 6-9 PM (free admission)

General Info
Steven
Allen
SMAart Gallery & Studio
Address
San Francisco
CA
94115
Studio Address
SMAart Gallery & Studio
1045 Sutter St
San Francisco
CA
94109
United States
Phone Contact
Membership
Clay
New exhibit development
2008