Steven Dayvid McKellar: You and Me and Ego The Fire House Paintings – Part 1

In this episode, we hear directly from Steven Dayvid McKellar about his solo exhibition, on display from January 25 – March 15, 2025 at El Nido located in Los Angeles, featuring seven mixed-media paintings on canvas, created during eight days of isolation during Fall, 2021 at an abandoned firehouse in Henderson, Kentucky. This compelling body of work is unapologetically honest, diving into themes of free will, vulnerability, and the ego.

The firehouse, where this series took shape, becomes a poignant metaphor for renewal. It was in this space that McKellar reclaimed not only his artistic vision but also a deeper understanding of himself. His paintings radiate honesty and sincerity, offering glimpses into the heart of an artist who deeply cares about life, strives for growth, and shares his stories with a generosity of spirit.

Co-curators Victoria Chapman and Stevie Kincheloe join Steven to discuss the genesis of this bold experiment. The artist provides a step-by-step account of his creative process and the emotional journey behind the series. He recalls the isolation as a necessary dismantling—a leap into the unknown. Steven opens up about exploring mixed media techniques, cutting himself off from the outside world, and the transformative artwork that emerged from the experience.

This episode delves into Steven's exploration of light and darkness, sharing the profound insights and "beautiful miracles" that arose along the way. A pivotal part of his journey involved consulting a tarot deck, where the recurring appearance of The Tower card guided his understanding of change and surrender to a higher power.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

https://www.elnidostudio.art/you-and-me-and-ego

Music by Stevie Kincheloe and Steven Dayvid McKellar