Romeo and Juliet: The Work of Steve Tobin
Art is a very subjective topic. Everyone has an opinion about what makes great art and what makes not such great art. However, one thing that most individuals can agree on is that the artwork must come from a place of inspiration. This is particularly true of the artist, Steve Tobin. One look at his innovative and nature-inspired sculptures, and there’s no denying that the artist is inspired by the natural world around him.
Romeo and Juliet, two monumental sculptures which have recently made their way to the Michener Art Museum’s front sculpture garden, are fantastic examples of Tobin’s magnificent and original mission. Reminiscent of his Bronze Roots, these organically shaped bronze works take on the shape of two outstretched roots. Their coloring is a rusted red, which stimulates the imagination and provides a visual context for where the roots may have once been planted. As their name suggests, these two sculptures are separate, yet work together to entrance the viewer, complete one thought, and tell a story.
Romeo and Juliet are part of the exhibit Out of This World: Works by Steve Tobin, which will be on display at the Michener beginning June 28th and ending on October 26th. This series will include many variations of Tobin’s work and will utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces. His large scale sculptures, including Steel Roots, will be placed outside of the museum walls. Within the gallery, Tobin’s smaller scale patinas will be on display, and range between three to six feet tall. These pieces will be supplemented with the artist’s drawings on rice paper, done in Japanese Sumi ink, and will provide a resource into how the artist works through his vision. Additionally, video interviews with Tobin will be shown throughout the galleries, and will provide the viewer with insight into the artist’s vision. Because the exhibit combines both sight and sound, it is both a learning and tranquil experience.
See some of the video footage and images shot during the installation on our Instagram channel and please be sure to purchase tickets to Out of This World: Works by Steve Tobin beginning on June 28th. In the meantime, feel free to stop by and view Romeo and Juliet and let us know what you think. What story do you think they are trying to tell? How do you feel about their installation? Share your comments with us below!
-Caitlin McGrother, Michener Art Museum Intern