Csorba Art Catalog: Fragile Resilience by Steven Csorba

steven csorba

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. But, if it doesn’t make us stronger – does it kill us? Based on my life experiences – this is the question my art tries to answer. I am not trying to find myself in my art, because the artist who has done so is lost. As an artist, life for me has become an opportunity to experience challenges, trauma, perseverance, resolve and optimism – to discover and explore human emotion, interactions and limits. In all of this you find energy. It’s what you do with that energy that matters. I like elevating energy so that it makes people feel good – to feel more alive so that they may challenge themselves in any way that might help them achieve goals, reach a greater potential or just get more out of life. STEVEN CSORBA 2016

Artist Steven Csorba is a painter, printmaker and master of visual remix. During an ten year span (2004-2014) Steven used visual art therapy as a tool to help survive cancer. He created a vast and unprecedented body of work that celebrates a bold expressionism and optimistic edge. His goal is to use all means of art making and appropriation in an attempt to transgress the broadest possible comprehension of our world today. Sketched-out, handpainted, old-school meets new, re-mixed, digitally re-composed and negated, painted and textured, re-mixed again, recycled and so on. His process of art making is a fluid and organic process where the daunting task of visual remix presents an infinite amount of options – unique, powerful works of art that represent a boundless energy, a cultural recombination of images from all corners of the world. He borrows images from the depths of art history as well as from art influences and trends that are only minutes old and often original to the artist himself. For Steven it’s all about taking the positive energy he can can find and through his art and persona – elevating visual experience to higher levels. The powerful energy seen in his art represents the heroic struggle all cancer survivors go through and projects the drive and depth of a person who knows life is precious.

As a longtime Edmontonian Steven has devoted countless hours of community service and encourages others to become involved in the lives of Edmonton children. If he has a chance to help others, he does so with all his energy – like it's the last day of his life. There as focus in every waking moment, a kind of deep-truth view that gives cruisers-through life pause for thought. In a nutshell, he's an artist who kicked cancer's ass and donates most of his money and energy to helping others. As the chair of iHuman's capital project, All In! Edmonton he led and convinced countless corporate sponsors to come together to build a safe place for endangered traumatized youth to turn their life around through creativity and community building. During the past ten years – through the donation of his art and as a dedicated savy do-gooder, Steven has helped raise over $5 Million for a variety of charities in Alberta. In 2014 an original work of art that he donated to the Buchanan Centre for Parkinson's Disease – auctioned off for $260,000.

live your life with purpose & passion The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest; the essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well. Unknown Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to. Henry Van Dyke Show me anyone who has overcome adversity and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show you someone who is successful. Lou Holtz To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. Tony Dorsett

Focused and Fierce 2010 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection

Painting is, in many senses, like living. We start from scratch, and then build over time. No one knows what the end product will be, but one can imagine. Stroke by stroke, the picture in front of us evolves. Old scars are covered by new colours. The layer beneath is not forgotten, but allows a new layer to be built on. Layer by layer, the figure becomes more formed. Our experience grows and more complexity is added. At the same time, our emotions begin to come out more and more as our work matures. Eventually, there is a time when we say “I am done”. A character is formed, and is remembered. The process of creating art is as important, if not more important, than the end product itself. Kierkegaard said that “life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward.”

Living is, in many senses, like painting

Fix You 2006 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection 6

I love your eyes, my dear Their splendid sparkling fire When suddenly you raise them so To cast a swift embracing glance Like lightning flashing in the sky But there's a charm that is greater still When my love's eyes are lowered When all is fired by passion's kiss And through the downcast lashes I see the dull flame of desire

Blonde Bombshell 2011 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection 7

be a star. adversity cause some to break; others to break records William A. Ward

Fire Bird 2013 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection 8

“When the artist finds himself – he is lost” Max Ernst

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire Ferdinand Foch

Passion Number One 2007 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection

“Sports don’t build character; they reveal it”. Unknown

You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get. Michael Phelps.

Happy Bombs Away! 2015 42" x 117" $15,725

STEVEN CSORBA

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ART OF SPORT ART OF HOPE KING OF PAIN <MASK> FACE VALUE SUPERHERO’S HYPERCUT: PIN-UPS POP-ART SUPERCUT: ENERGY BUBBLE GUM – NUDES GRAFFITI POPCUT FIRE INSIDE MARYLYN MANIKIN (IN THE WINDOW) CATWALK FLOWER POWER FRAGILE RESILIENCE: TERRA

ART OF SPORT

Style and Grace 2012 Mixed Media on Canvas Private Collection

Centre Ice

Tee Shot

2009 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection

2010 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection

ART OF SPORT

Engine of Hope

Ice Dance Gold

2006 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection

2010 Acrylic on Panel Private Collection

ART OF HOPE

Showing Off

Passion

Give Me Strength

2004 Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches

Edition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs

$1,800

ART OF HOPE

Potential

Candy for the Soul

Simple

2004 Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches

2006 Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches

Edition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs

$1,800

ART OF HOPE

Sweet

The Radiation “Mop”

Climb a Ladder to the Sun

2004 Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches

2005 Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches

Edition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs

$1,800

KING OF PAIN <MASKS>

Nylon Smile

Velvet Vision

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Cool Thoughts 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

KING OF PAIN <MASKS>

King of The Castle 2011 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Burning Resilience

The Power to Be

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2013 Mixed Media on Panel

KING OF PAIN <MASKS>

Crown Of Love

Lucky Seven

Evil Twin

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

KING OF PAIN <MASKS>

Lose Yourself 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

King Kunta

This Town's So Strange

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

So Sure (detail) 2009 Acrylic on Panel

FACE VALUE

It Never Crossed My Mind

I Used to Sleep at Night

If These Walls Could Talk

2005 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

FACE VALUE

Awake My Soul

We Were So Different Then

You Gotta Be The One

2008 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2011 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

SUPERHEROS

He Was My Brother 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

I Saw A Saviour

Get Fired Up

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

SUPERHEROS

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got No Self Control

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Man Of Steel

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

HYPERCUT: PIN-UPS

Shake and Bake

Bring Your Friends

Fame Fame

2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2009 Mixed Media on Panel

2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

HYPERCUT: PIN-UPS

Yellow Tilt

No Swimming

Be My Angel

2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2008 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

HYPERCUT: PIN-UPS

Super Sonic Splashy 2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Dish

Clean Up On Isle Eight

2008 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

HYPERCUT: PIN-UPS

I Want Your Revenge 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Little White Lies

Hit That Beat

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Super Mighty Mixy 2013 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

POP-ART

Carry Your Own Wieght

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let It Get Away

Pink and Yellow

2008 Mixed Media on Panel

2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2006 Mixed Media on Panel

POP-ART

Party Animal

Holding On

Hi-Tech Hero

2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

POP-ART

Taste of Life

Twisted Fate

I Can’t Deny What I’ve Become

2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2005 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

POWSCAPES

See What You Find There Sweet Symphony 2013 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2013 Mixed Media on Panel

POWSCAPES

Blast Master

(Neon) Tree Machine

Possibly Maybe

2013 Mixed Media on Panel

POWSCAPES

Escape the Neon Wilderness

After The Storm

2012 Mixed Media on Panel

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Where Do We Go? 2014 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

POWSCAPES

Real Deal

Let Down Your Guard

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Blast Radius 2014 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

SUPERCUT: BUBBLE GUM

Dubble Bubble 2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Find Me In The Club 2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

SUPERCUT: BUBBLE GUM

Cashmere Thoughts

This Beat Goes Boom Boom

2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Booty Call #1

Rock That Body (Silver)

2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

SUPERCUT: BUBBLE GUM

Playing Around

Think of Me

What Makes a Girl Tick?

2011 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

GRAFFITI

POPCUT

Mashing Mickey

Task Master

2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

GRAFFITI

POPCUT

Groove

Get Me! Playing Innocent

2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2015 Mixed Media on Panel

GRAFFITI

POPCUT

Mighty Mash

Pull No Punches

2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2015 Mixed Media on Panel

Pillow Of Winds 2013 Mixed Media on Panel

Changes 2013 Mixed Media on Panel

FIRE INSIDE

Ain’t Got No Lullaby

Fire Outside

It’s Sleeping In My Memory

2012 Mixed Media on Panel

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2013 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

FIRE INSIDE

Trophy Wife

Fire Inside

A Leap of Faith

2013 Mixed Media on Panel

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2012 Mixed Media on Panel

FIRE INSIDE

Change The Game

Gimme a Second Chance

Animal Magic

2012 Mixed Media on Panel

2013 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Rise Above It All 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Within Me 2011 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

MARYLYN

What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Looking For 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Mary Mary

Wonder Struck

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2011 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

MANIKIN (in the window)

Bad Girl

Breath In Breath Out

Closing In

2008 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2008 Mixed Media on Panel

2008 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

MANIKIN (in the window)

Having Too Much Fun

Burn

Tell Me Something True

2008 Mixed Media on Panel

2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

CATWALK

Twist of Fate

Wondaland

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Time To Talk

2015 Mixed Media on Panel

2015 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

CATWALK

After Thouhgts 2015 Mixed Media on Panel

Open Your Heart 2015 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

You Do It To Yourself 2015 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

CATWALK

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll See You Again

LA Women

2014 Mixed Media on Panel

2014 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

The Wind is Blowing 2014 Mixed Media on Panel

Flower Power

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Blast

Tweet Monster

2015 Mixed Media on Panel

2015 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Flower Power

As a Friend

Tell Me Your Secrets

Red Battle

2013 Mixed Media on Panel

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Flower Power

The Evils of Lucy

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My BDay

Dark Horse

2016 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2015 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2016 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Fragile Resilience: TERRA

So Much Energy to Spare 2009 Mixed Media on Panel

Secret Garden 2009 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Fragile Resilience: TERRA

Blood Bath 2006 Mixed Media on Panel Here We Are Now

New Day At The Beach

2012 Mixed Media on Panel

2007 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Private Collection

Fragile Resilience: TERRA

Craddle of Life

Merge

2007 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2014 Mixed Media on Panel

Fragile Resilience: TERRA

Red Rain

Send Me An Angel

2007 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

2006 Mixed Media on Panel

ANYTHING YOU DO AS PASSION IS GOOD MEDICINE STEVEN CSORBA 2007

In many ways Csorba’s paintings are a natural extension of his profound experience surviving cancer. Through his art, he provides an authentic way of recalling the experience of his cancer survival. His round “tondos of energy” provide a sincere way of trying to make things whole again. To make them right. He has created images that make us believe that the energy within us is real. As in life sometimes it’s hard to tell whether things are building or falling apart, but we do know something is happening. And in Csorba’s art the energy reveals itself as something that is unquestionably good. The energy, subject matter and composition of his art connect his imagery to the power of their realization, to the very essence of the monumental task and sustained power that is needed and connected to survival. In Csorba’s signature piece “In My Place” the symbolism and connection to purpose is clear. The creation of a new world, a new life, a second chance – is represented by the “earth-like” treatment of colour. Clear and blue, full of water, full of abundance and hope. The rising stars are also symbolic. The stars rise and grow larger, giving power to the meaning that one can grow stronger from such an experience. Indeed the star he places at the top of the sphere is prominent and painted with strength. It sets the stage – predicting a positive future.

In My Place Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches Edition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs $1,800

Adversity is only an obstacle that exists to test and measure your character. Csorba transposed the harsh side effects of his radiation therapy into a new, more powerful energy that comes from within his paintings. It’s as if as though the light in his art is escaping from the inside out – symbolizing the energy we all have inside of us to deal with life’s challenges.

Rain 2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Each painting represents a state of "potential" – a boundless source of energy to be experienced. I provide the starting point for people to look. It's up to the viewer to explore these round “tondos of energy” and within the landscape of their visual journey, they will find something unique and personal. In my newest pieces, the swirling, twisting structure that lies beneath the surface of the picture plane acts as a leverage – it pulls you into the light source of inner energy. And this energy is real. It is something that I rely on every day to cope with the harsh side effect of treatments. It is an energy that is always powerful, full of abundance & never void of hope. This is me. This is my art. Showing Off Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches Edition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs $1,800 73

Staying in the Game Avenue Magazine Edmonton â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December Issue 2008 words by Mairi MacLean

There are only

two options re garding commit You're either IN ment. or you're OUT. There is no such thing as li fe in-between. (Pat Riley) The quality of a person's life is in dire to their com ct proportio mitment to n excellence, their chose r e g a r dless of n field of en deavor. (Vinc e Lomba rdi)

Staying in the Game Avenue Magazine Edmonton – December Issue 2008 words by Mairi MacLean Despite radical surgery that stops most people in their tracks, artist Steven Csorba is pumping out innovative paintings, elite soccer players and charity dollars at a torrid pace Steven Csorba is living his life “like an old man in a hurry,” and laughs while he says so. But you know he couldn’t be more serious about the hurry part. Five years after a cancer diagnosis and groundbreaking reconstructive surgery to his throat and neck, Csorba — a well-known Edmonton painter and printmaker who first came to attention with images of sports heroes such as Wayne Gretzky — projects the drive and depth of a person who knows life is precious. There’s focus in every waking moment, a kind of deep-truth view that gives cruisers-through-life pause for thought. The energy can be seen in a series of new paintings Csorba is doing using experimental techniques with vinyl, acrylic paint, broken pieces of Plexiglas and found objects. These bold works explore pop art themes and graffiti, for a look he calls “neo-pop expressionist.” (Select works will be exhibited this month at Peter Robertson gallery’s Jasper Avenue location.) His energy is also revealed in the world-class approach he brings to training and mentoring a team of 13-year-old soccer players from Edmonton’s north side, now one of the top-ranked in the country thanks to his large ambitions for the teens. And it’s in his uncommon talent for fundraising — since his illness and recovery, a period he philosophically describes as his “time out,” he has raised over $250,000 for a variety of community and charitable causes.

That Csorba puts in 75+ hour weeks (50+ hours on art, 15 on the soccer team, the rest hanging out and weight-lifting with his three sons, ages 13 to 17) is nothing short of mindboggling. More than 95 per cent of cancer patients who go through his type of rare, radical surgery never return to work. “They cut right across your neck, peel your face off, crack your jaw, take part of your arm to rebuild your throat, stick a tracheotomy in there and follow up with radiation,” he says matter-of-factly, noting how he lost almost 70 pounds, took morphine for a year and had to teach himself to speak again. He still wakes up every half hour during the night for a drink of water because he lacks saliva, eats mainly soft food and has lost count of the number of follow-up procedures he has had. He awaits a final oral medical procedure to implant some teeth. “I kept myself in the game just by doing all this art and community work, using visual art as therapy,” he says, relating how he began to create images postsurgery of “wonderful round balls of energy.” These became part of his Art of Hope series, another ambitious fundraising project to improve quality of life for cancer patients, as well as an ongoing motif in his work. “Clearly it’s a challenging way to live. You’re going month-to-month dealing with surgeries and healing while trying to figure out how to pay the bills,” says Csorba, who lives from art sales. “From an inspirational perspective, I’ve learned that I use my energies to inspire capacity in other people; the capacity lies within them.” On a fine autumn evening, Csorba is out in the river valley putting the soccer team through its paces. The boys’ families come from Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Africa and Italy. In many cases, both parents work; some struggle to cover the soccer fees. “The kids’ commitment is never less than 100 per cent,” says Csorba, whose son also plays on the team (his other two boys are gifted baseball players).

Lora Farmer, mom to one of the players, says Csorba dedicates an incredible amount of time to the team and it shows. “Steven works very hard with the boys, and he realizes they are only 13. And he’s amazing at fundraising.” Earlier this year, Csorba donated $85,000 of his art and eventually raised over $115,000 to take select players on a three-week trip to Spain, where they played against some of the best clubs in the world. It’s an example of the super-high standards and goals he sets for the lads. “If you’re going to go to the well, go with the big bucket, not the small bucket,” Csorba likes to say. “It takes just as much energy to think big as think small.” Bob Chelmick, an Edmonton media producer, radio host and artist, met Csorba 10 years ago in commercial art and print-making circles. He describes Csorba as a remarkably dynamic, generous person and a cutting-edge artist of compelling work. “The creative energy is palpable, to be in his aura, because he’s a very excited person about living and expressing his ideas,” says Chelmick. “The cancer really made him turn and look within, I think, and get rid of some superfluous stuff in his life and focus on what he can do really well. And he can make art really well. His energy is so vital and vibrant. He goes and goes and goes.”

“The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest; the essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well.” Unknown

COMMISSIONS Csorba is available for commissions of handpainted original works (acrylic on canvas or gessoed board) of athletes and sporting subject matter. He will also paint individual portraits and other subjects upon request. The following conditions and fee structure apply to all commissioned works. Costs are approximate and negotiable. Additional fees may be required for images requiring more detail, research or additional preliminary “work-up” sketches and comp drawings. • •

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Golden Goal: 48” x 96” 2010 Mixed Media Acrylic on archival plexiplass/dibond Private Collector

• • •

The customer must supply high quality photographs for the artist to work from. If photographs are not available then Csorba will take his own photographs of the athlete performing or subject. The customer must provide access and accreditation to the sporting event of the subject athlete and pay for all costs associated with travel and expenses. Prior to beginning the final piece, Csorba will complete preliminary compositional sketches for the patron to approve. (These sketches will belong to the artist unless otherwise negotiated). A 50% deposit is required before any work is started. The balance is due upon completion of the artwork. Csorba will own the copyright unless otherwise negotiated. Most commissions take 2–3 weeks to complete. (Exceptions can be made for timely events).

Scale Small Medium Large Grande Jumbo

Approximate Size 16” x 24” 24” x 36” 30” x 40” 40” x 60” 48” x 72”

Cost* $ $ $ $ $

5,000 7,500 10,000 13,500 16,750

Csorba can also print and publish limited edition original giclee prints based on the commissioned artwork. In this case the customer must obtain the proper and necessary trademark permissions from the athlete’s club and/ or organizing league. All of the printing is done by Csorba in his printmaking studio, using only archival inks on the finest 100% acid free cotton rag papers and archival quality canvas with protective coatings. .

Tempted In Our Minds 2011

Mixed Media on Panel