"There is no religion higher than truth"
Theosophical Society, Chennai India
A Brief History of Steven Kostic
Born in Salford (Manchester), England in 1970. He emigrated to Australia in 1974 and lived there until age 22. He initially studied Business but always felt that there was more to achieve in life. Being a natural self taught artist he often sought inspiration from other artists such as Any Warhol, Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. This led to studying Graphic Arts and finally Classical Anatomy Art at Morley College, Elephant and Castle, London, England.
A major shift occurred in his life at age 22. His travels began following the tragic suicide of his father. Although this event was devastating, everything has its consequent reaction. His Father's death gave Steven the financial freedom to travel the world many times over and fully experience life. He fully recommends travel to anyone who must cope with death. For some it can be an escape from the problems, but in this escapism, there is contemplation. After buying a one way ticket to Asia, Steven's travels led him overland almost all the way to Europe from Australia. This of course has been a major influence on his life and art style. When he arrived in London he decided to study fine art. Since then his paintings have been displayed in exhibitions throughout Europe and Australia.
Kostic has refined techniques commanding the classical with the modern, creating images inspired by travel, culture and life experience and struggles. From a classically trained origin to expansive philosophical interest, Kostic's works attempt to create a "wholistic" visual art. He paints with fast drying acrylic as an enhancement of the spontaneous.
Kostic's paintings are presently found in over eight countries.
Some of my Major Influences:
What could ever be greater than Travel? It opens your eyes to the delights of the world, opens your mind to the unseen pleasures. Cultural diversity and the appreciation of cultural and social differences are only really experienced by travelling the world, several times. It is an amazing place and I believe that there should be no boundaries between countries, and people should be allowed to live wherever they please. I also believe that it is inevitable that given such freedom, people would live where they feel most suited to the culture. I think that the greatest aspect of travel is the delicious food, great sights, freedom and beautiful people you meet.
Salvadore Dali and Rene Magritte have been my ultimate peers. In my studies at Morley College, a travelling exhibition came to the Southbank called "Dali his younger years". I was amazed at his work even when he was just a child. Dali's comment, "I am a genius because I believe I am the best artist in the world"...or something like that when he was only around 13...influenced my art from being just good to "the best art in the world". It is quite amazing how self belief and having beautiful supportive people around you can keep you alive and constantly improving in a very very difficult career such as the arts. Then I discovered the Grand Master of all Masters, Magritte himself. All I can say about him is, have a look at his art! I will also say at this point that I respect all artists and everyone's art is simply perfect.
Love is the very reason for existing and painting. Lets be honest, species continuity is the reason to exist, and this instinctual drive is felt throughout all of our daily activities. In the film Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams says,"why do we write poetry...to woo women". Love can change your perspective instantly. I recall one incident where I was walking through Chelsea in London and all of those grey and dark buildings with millions of chimneys suddenly became magical shapes when I held the hand of a very beautiful girl. The homeless in the park turned into mystical characters who exist on a different reality to the rest...ahhhh....such is the power of love.
Drugs...well, one quote I can use is, "if drugs did not exist in society we would never have had a cultural revolution in the sixties, no Beatles, no Hendrix, no Joplin...so who said drugs were bad for you". I cant remember who said this, my memory cells have all gone! (just kidding) It is a controversial subject and I think that we all go through stages in life. The point is to come out into the next stage with your health and some knowledge.
Films...I love movies and cinema. Sci Fi...nothing better. Film Noir is also a magical escapism, especially the European versions. Some of my favourite films include La Vie En Rose, From Dusk Till Dawn, My Fair Lady, The Naked Lunch, Altered States, Casablanca, Secretary...
Books, I love to read. When I read, my life exists in the book and I have to complete it. I know the power of imagination and words, and have known this since reading my first novel at age 5... books are like a film which have a far greater sensory experience empowered by the mind and imagination. No two people could ever have the same image of a character in a book. My favourite author is Leo Tolstoy, and recommend Anna Karenina, and I love many other authors and books.
Group Exhibitions:
- 1999 "Kreativ Kreis"
Nord Bahnhof Galerie Tuttlingen, Germany
- 2000 "Easter Art Classic"
Community Centre Byron Bay, Australia
- 2000 "Ton Art"
Jazz Club e.V. VS-Villingen, Germany
- 2002 "Australian Return"
Beach Art Gallery
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, Australia
- 2002 "Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival"
Oasis Art Gallery
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, Australia
- 2002 "Scarborough Fair"
Scarborough School Gallery
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough, NSW, Australia
- 2003 "Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival"
Oasis Art Gallery
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, Australia
- 2003 "Bacon"
Beach Art Gallery
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, Australia - 2004 "On The Mind, On The Mend" The Old Fire Station Community Arts Space Kiama, NSW, Australia Curator: Marc Wheatley - 2012 "Scarborough Fair" Scarborough Art Show, NSW, Australia
Solo Exhibitions:
- 1996 "The Origin"
Lightworks Cafe Byron Bay, Australia
- 2000 "Thinking-Feeling-Being"
Galimar Galerie VS-Villingen Germany
- 2001 "Phantasie-Traume-Wahrheit"
Lichthof Galerie,Volksbank VS-Villingen, Germany
- 2003 "Organic"
Elementary Organics Cafe
Crown St. Wollongong, NSW, Australia - 2007 "Hanging Tree Art from Europe (a 10 year retrospective)" Coledale Markets, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale - 2013 "At the Dentist" Dentistry Illawarra, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
