Steven Columbus, a passionate artist and advocate, reflects on the importance of approaching life with a daily perspective while illustrating the profound narrative behind his striking artwork, Play the tape forward.
What’s the story behind Play the tape forward?
Columbus delves into the pervasive struggle of living with addiction, revealing how the haunting echoes of generational trauma serve as significant barriers, preventing individuals from fully embracing and experiencing life. He expresses a determined commitment to shatter the chains that perpetuate cycles of despair and repetition stemming from the past.
This thought-provoking piece embodies the philosophy of savoring each moment as it arrives and remaining present in our daily experiences. It is far too easy to become entangled in the chaos of life, often at the cost of neglecting what truly matters.
Columbus shares his personal triumph over addiction, sharing how he managed to break free from its grips; he laid down the bottle and actively chose to pursue a fulfilling life. This courageous decision not only led him to gain full custody of his son but also opened doors to a rewarding career at the dynamic Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.
All it takes is the courage to play the tape forward!
What is something about your art that might surprise the viewer?
Within this compelling artwork lies an array of concealed elements. Significant dates marking the deaths of his grandfather, Papa Tito, and father are intricately woven into the piece, symbolizing the traumas that fueled his battle with addiction. Additionally, he proudly includes the belt buckle awarded to him by Clay Crossings Rehabilitation Center, commemorating his completion of the program and maintaining a full year of sobriety.
What was your process for creating this piece?
Columbus began his artistic journey using high-quality watercolor paper. He combined an eclectic mix of materials, including watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencils, India ink, and water-based airbrush paints, to bring his vision to life.
The artwork evolved from a simple sketch created during a leisurely moment at the Oklahoma Contemporary. Following the initial concept, he meticulously layered watercolor and gouache, and the background was artfully airbrushed to evoke the disorienting sensation of brain fog.
What it is like working with such creative people?
A pivotal moment in Columbus’s journey occurred in 2020 when his fiancée whisked him away on a date to Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. He was instantly captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the eclectic community he encountered. Driven by inspiration, he set a goal to be a part of this creative hub, and just two years later, his dream was realized.
Each day at the arts center brings fresh experiences, filled with the energy radiated by extraordinary individuals and their unique artistic expressions. There is a profound sense of inspiration that comes from being immersed in art alongside those who passionately create it!
Image:
Steven Columbus, Play the tape forward, 2024. Watercolor, airbrush, and gouache on Fabrisso paper.
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**Interview with Steven Columbus: Insights on “Play the Tape Forward”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Steven. Your artwork, *Play the Tape Forward*, has a profound narrative. Can you tell us about the story behind this piece?
**Steven Columbus:** Absolutely! *Play the Tape Forward* is deeply rooted in my experiences with addiction and the generational trauma that often accompanies it. I wanted to capture the struggle of living in the past versus embracing the present. My aim was to illustrate how these cycles can prevent us from truly experiencing life and the importance of breaking free from them.
**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful message. It sounds like your personal journey played a significant role in the creation of this piece. Can you elaborate on how your triumph over addiction influenced your work?
**Steven Columbus:** Certainly. My decision to lay down the bottle was pivotal—not just for my own well-being, but it ultimately helped me secure full custody of my son. This new chapter in my life has equipped me with the courage to pursue a fulfilling career at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. I hope to inspire others to embrace each moment and move forward, despite the challenges they face.
**Interviewer:** Were there any elements in the artwork that might surprise viewers?
**Steven Columbus:** Yes, definitely! Hidden within the work are significant dates marking the deaths of my grandfather and father—two pivotal losses that shaped my battle with addiction. Additionally, I included a belt buckle from Clay Crossings Rehabilitation Center, symbolizing my completion of the program and my first year of sobriety. Each element is a piece of my story, woven into the artwork.
**Interviewer:** Your process sounds quite intricate. Can you walk us through how you created this piece?
**Steven Columbus:** It all started with a simple sketch at the Oklahoma Contemporary. From there, I used high-quality watercolor paper and a mix of materials—watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencils, India ink, and airbrush paints. Layering these different mediums allowed me to create depth and evoke the disorientation that often accompanies addiction, encapsulating the journey from chaos to clarity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Steven. It’s evident that *Play the Tape Forward* is not just an artwork, but a testament to resilience and hope.
**Steven Columbus:** Thank you for having me. I truly believe that it all starts with the courage to play the tape forward and to be present in our lives.
