Against the Grain: Sculpture by Michael Stevens

Sculptor Michael Stevens draws inspiration from a myriad of popular media sources, most related to his childhood growing up in the 50s. Questioning the concept of childhood as an idyllic state, Stevens’ three-dimensional pieces involve multiple figures, largely carved out of wood. By juxtaposing sentimental low-brow paintings discovered in antique shops and junk stores, with carved toys, fish, and other figures, Stevens creates an amazingly uncertain world that is both playful and dangerous simultaneously.