Lunch: Steven Tabbutt

From time to time we invite artists over to lunch at our studio in Brooklyn. Today's lunch was with the young artist Steven Tabbutt. We first saw Steven's work in the 3x3 Student Show and then again at the SVA Gallery where we added one of his paintings to our 3x3 art collection. We knew his work but didn't know much about him until today. Born in Maine, Steven spent his younger years growing up in small towns throughout the South. His early influences were from comics, there were no art galleries in his hometown; not even an art supply store. He didn't get to see much art but he always loved to draw and on a high school field trip to the new Savannah College of Art & Design, he knew he'd found a home where he could grow as an artist.

After graduation he moved with his sister to New York, worked a bit and then signed up for the Masters program at the School of Visual Arts and the rest is history. I was amazed that this young guy was so unique with so little early impressions of the art world. Now he makes his living as an illustrator and fine artist and will have his first solo show this March in his Paris gallery. The gallery owner had seen his work at the SVA gallery, bought a few pieces and then asked him to join her group. Funny thing, a lot of sales go to Americans who visit the gallery. He's also exhibited at galleries in Brooklyn. One of the secrets to his success: he entered every show he could, and still can find, be it fine art or commercial. And it's paid off, his rep saw his work in our annual and signed him up--totally unheard of in most instances to rep a kid right out of school. It was great to meet him and I'm sure you'll be hearing even more great things about him.

Pictured behind Steven is Jessica Quiñones, our show coordinator, busy logging in the student show.