Steve Chell MBA BSc (hons) BA (hons)
Steves work explores our relationship with insects and how this may be expressed in art through mixed media, found objects, readymade, assemblage and appropriation. To a lesser degree, it is also about collecting and the interface between art and science. He was introduced to the insect world as a child through anthropomorphised images in books, museum displays and time spent with his grandfathers collection of animals and other sorts of paraphernalia. Although he was scared of the insects, he was also gripped with a sense of wonder and repeatedly drawn to take yet another closer look. His work seeks to recreate the mood of the museum and the parlour cabinet. This is done by way of realistic, vintage-looking insect collections and fantasy ‘specimens’. His approach is a whimsical and playful one. He hopes to evoke the same feelings of wonder, dread and allurement that he had as a child. In doing so, he hopes to raise the profile of insects as a source of discussion and, in a coincidental way, highlight the conservation agenda. Wherever possible, his work uses recycled materials and items people have thrown away. 01624 827322 | 07624 379588 |