Neo-Impressionist artist, Michael Steinpichler, was born in Austria but now resides in Costa Rica. Drawing on influences such as Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin, Steinpichler produces vibrant masterpieces, combining a number of subjects, colours and styles. The artist speaks to Aesthetica about the impact of travelling on his artistic production and his belief in a “renaissance of non- abstract art.”
A: You have lived in a variety of Continents – has travelling affected your art?
MS: I have lived in several countries, including, Austria, Germany, Italy, the USA and now Costa Rica. As a consequence my art is Neo-Impressionist. Travelling has affected my art in a positive way and my appreciation of the world has opened up; now I can see colours, subjects and perspectives much better. I don’t think staying in the same environment is good for an artist. For example, leading French Post-Impressionist, Paul Gauguin, spent a long time in Tahiti and in the Caribbean. A good painter has to have a certain level of maturity and an experience of different cultures.
A: What do you think of the art market today?
MS: The modern art-market is flooded with meaningless abstract works and most of them are difficult to understand. However, there are exceptions. I think that soon the art-world will have a “Renaissance” of non-abstract art. The difference between graphic art (Andy Warhol) and real art is very clear for art-collectors, experts, museums and auctioneers. History has demonstrated that only art that has the characteristics to develop over time will survive. For example, look at how the architecture of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and the Italian Renaissance still shapes art today.
A: Please can you talk me through what inspires you?
MS: The main source of inspiration for the production of art is fantasy, dreams and beautiful things that happen in the life of the artist. There are many other things, but they are difficult to pinpoint. As I already said, bad abstract art is on the decline, but good abstract art comes from the dreams and visions of the painter.
A: What do you want your audiences to take from your pieces?
MS: I want my visitors to feel as if they are part of the subject and can experience the sensations I did when I was making the painting.
A: How do you start a new work?
MS: When I start a new piece of art I feel as though a strong power of fantasy is taking over me, it is a sensation I can’t explain. It is like an influence from another dimension or universe.
Find out more about Michael Steinpichler at www.michaelsteinpichler.com
Credits
1. Spring time #1 80x60cm Oil on canvas, Michael Steinpichler, courtesy of the artist.
2. Costarican landscape II 60 x 45 cm Oil on canvas, Michael Steinpichler, courtesy of the artist.
