art artist painting digital art creative interior

How’s that 9-5 job of yours? Do you like doing the same thing every single day? Steven Fisher, champion of creativity and defying convention, hates it. In his own words, “There are more than 400,000 types of flowering plants in the world. Why shouldn’t the artist create as many types of works, in any medium – and avoid painting different roses all the time?” Essentially, Fisher uses art and whatever materials available to embrace his definition of what it means to be creative.

Steven “Fish” Fisher has landed quite a few different jobs including but not limited to professional cook, graphic designer, large format printer and art director. His experimental endeavors have led him to Cre8ive Differences, the company he founded to sell his original artwork and display the advertisements he’s made for business companies. Fisher opened Cre8ive Differences in March 2011, where he provides businesses with visionary aid in marketing, creating logos and promotions. His website also includes his paintings, prints and wood products.

The only thing Fisher keeps consistent is inconsistency itself. In the evident reflection of his mantra, Fisher’s work doesn’t reflect any kind of specific theme. Here’s our interview with the “creative journeyman” who explains his maxim and more.

art artist painting digital art creative interior
Bloody Mary Breakfast in Living Room

What does art mean to you?

Life. Freedom. Individualism. Culture.

Without art – in any form – we do not have culture and really wouldn’t be able to describe ourselves as a civilization. Art is everything. Art fights the darkness. Art gives hope. Art relieves. Art is therapy. Art is essential to our human condition. It also allows me to vent about the current state of our society. Sometimes through sheer force of color application or, as in a new series I’m starting, through direct illustrative comparing of my childhood and current times – social, cultural and political. The new work I am producing reflects what I think a lot of people are thinking about how politics and world events feel very out of control. I respond to that kind of realization by creating artwork to either work it out in my own psyche or provide some viewpoint on what I think is happening and showing that to the world to generate more conversation.

“Art is everything. Art fights the darkness. Art gives hope. Art relieves. Art is therapy. Art is essential to our human condition.”

art artist painting digital art creative interior
Tranquilescence

Can you elaborate on your defiance in avoiding being conventional and consistent? How can this apply to life outside of your work? 

It’s more a defiance of style than anything else. Early on in any artists career, it is driven into an artist to find your “style,” when you should be finding your “voice.” My voice has always had a rebellious quality, thus my work is unconventional. I don’t believe in producing the same artwork over and over again. That is the antithesis of being an artist and being creative. Pushing boundaries is an important part of my process and it’s reflected in my work. I’m sure I have a ‘tell’ that a collector could identify but it’s not a conscious decision to paint that into a work.

However, I consciously catch myself, when working on a number of paintings in the same likeness, and make an abrupt ending to that style, moving on to discovering something new. Everything should be exploration, up for grabs – when you are trying to express yourself as an artist and not be confined. I can’t be potential energy, I’m kinetic and always have been…I’m trying to cultivate the creative and expressive energies within and around me. I can’t be stifled, and say I’m an artist (creative), by staying inside the lines of my own making. As a matter of fact, I am on the brink of a new series that is something completely different than anything I have done in 30 years (teaser).

Life outside work application?

Easy: spontaneity.  

“I don’t believe in producing the same artwork over and over again. That is the antithesis of being an artist and being creative.”
art artist painting digital art creative interior
Mana

Additionally- I know you’ve had numerous creative jobs in the past, so what does it mean to you to be “creative”? 

Diversity.

“Creative” is so overused, misunderstood, and watered down.

BUT, I think I am getting closer to defining it for myself on my own journey. Whether I am using my skills as a painter, a graphic artist, a trained chef – canvas, food, ink, pixel, wood, metal, design, pigment, photography, graphite, chalk – whatever is speaking to me at any given point is fair game.

I think it is a state of mind and a way of life – not simply an act of producing. It is how you perceive things, interact with the world around you, how you interpret it and how you are inspired by it. When you do that, it’s the same as breathing, then you can express yourself through any means necessary – without confines to style, medium or expectations.

Fisher has received several inquiries to exhibit his art in New York. He hopes to show his work in Manhattan or the Hamptons soon, as it is a goal of his.

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