Image by Provided A piece to be shown in Wanda Steppe's 'Bird's Eye View'

In the upcoming Wanda Steppe solo show at the Martin Gallery, 'Bird's Eye View,' the viewer is asked to approach each painting in the collection from the perspective of a bird, and sometimes the point of view of a bird.



A bird's eye view is typically an elevated view of an object from above - a perspective as though the observer were a bird, looking down on that object. While several of the paintings in this collection show what one might see if he or she were hovering over a subject like a bird in flight, others are quite different.

After spending many years teaching herself to paint traditionally, Steppe found herself in the position of not being able to paint at all. Chemotherapy affected her sense of smell so that painting made her ill. She spent many months thinking about working without being able to work.

“When I was able to return to my studio, I knew I needed to create work that was personal and cathartic. I decided to turn from painting objects from life to imaginary landscapes that were metaphors for the passage of time. When I began the landscape series, they were simply about the metamorphic effects of time and the elements, but as I healed they became more about emotional healing and spiritual freedom,” says Wanda Steppe of her work.

The final works in the series are contemplations on the fragility and uncertainty of the physical world and the nature of spirituality.

Martin Gallery strives to bring some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof. Upon entering the historic Grand Salon of Martin Gallery, one experiences a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than 30 nationally and internationally renowned artists.

Bird’s Eye View is opening on September 1st, with an artist reception on the 2nd from 5 to 8 p.m. The Martin Gallery is located at 18 Broad Street.