Biography

Steve Donegan studied sculpture and painting at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and the School of Visual Arts in New York City receiving a BFA in 1976. In 1981 (1981-2015) Donegan founded the 915 Studios for artists and in 1993-1997 he became a board member of the non-profit Gallery Art In General in New York City. In 1998 he was awarded a Pew Fellowship for Sculpture and received an Independence Foundation Fellowship in 2005. Steve was a contributor to the publication of Under Billy Penn's Hat living and workspaces for artists by Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers For the Arts he was also a Volunteer Advisor for Philadelphia Historical Preservation Corp in regard to the Pew Trusts sponsored search for artists housing. Currently Steve maintains his studio practice in Philadelphia.

Artist Statement

Several years ago, I searched for something new to bring to my landscape imagery and began experimenting in textiles. I liked the first results enough to continue with the process, and it has become another way of making my work. My process entails using multiple layers of images, and through various means, I work to capture motion, freeze time in layers and transfer them through tactile materials. My tapestries and paintings are the product of this effort to contain all of my simultaneous reactions to a garden space, the whirl from that input, its possibilities, and the craving of it.