Stephen Ives, a Melbourne artist, was born in England in 1970. He specializes in bricolage and creates his artworks using a wide range of materials such as toys, junk, discovered objects, model kits, polymer clays, and aluminum.
His creative process mirrors the chaotic assortment of materials, encompassing a fusion of thoughts, emotions, current and past ideas, historical context, and pop culture. These concepts are refined, and materials are accumulated, manipulated, altered, and finally united into a cohesive piece that serves as a tangible representation of thought and a delight to the senses.
More: Stephen Ives, Instagram
Ives, the son of an Australian mother and English father, grew up on the outskirts of Lewes, England, before relocating to Australia at 12. His childhood was filled with Lego, where he brought his imaginative creations to life and explored the South Downs. During his teenage years, he sharpened his drawing and model-making skills, with a particular focus on tanks and planes.
Ives has been showcasing his artwork in Melbourne since his mid-20s. His art has been displayed in galleries worldwide, including London, Paris, Brussels, New York, Santa Fe, and Copenhagen. Collectors from Australia, England, and Germany, as well as prominent Danish art collectors like Christian Stadil of Thornico and Hummel Sport, Lars Christian Brask of EFG International, and representatives from Danske Bank, have acquired his works.
