Alexander Calder … but are more. Or less. Still active despite creeping arthritis, Crane recently designed a Toys for Tots poster; and through the years has exhibited in the Detroit Artists Market, the University of Michigan, and Detroit’ s Scarab Club.
“ Stephen’ s subjects include esoteric and philosophical themes and allegoric universal messages,” the Detroit News’ art critic Joy Hakanson Colby has written;“ using imaginary characters and other fascinating symbolism, ranging from the inspirational, uplifting and happyfun-light aspects of life to the need for love and compassion to the depths of sadness and deep despair.”
Uncountable others have commented on Crane’ s unique visions, and of course as with any creator, the work speaks for itself, but the eloquent artist provides a guided tour through his perceptions and goals:
“ I fear that current art has generally become extremely romantic and unrealistic – utopian. It has had less and less to do with the world, looking inward and all that. This is not so much a criticism as an observation,” he said.“ Outside is the world; it’ s there. My art looks out into the world. It appears to accept its environment, which is not good or bad, but, rather, diverse, fluid, and different – another state of mind.
“ My art is an involvement with what I think to be the most brazen and threatening characteristics of our respective lives – things we hate, things we love, things we fear, things we enjoy, all of which are so powerful in their impingement on us.
“ An attempt at organized perception or some understanding of life is what my art is all about.
It is a process. It has to do with a way of building a unified pattern of seeing or an attempt to observe the human condition and its relevance.”
Has his vision changed or evolved?“ At this very moment, I am thoroughly engrossed in my art, creating what might be another abstract self-portrait or a surreal esoteric indictment. When my brain begins to reel from my artistic labors, I might possibly slather low-fat peanut butter on some faux wheat crackers.”
Or … holding court, observing life, and enjoying friends, at a local salon masquerading as a café. It’ s what artists do.
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