Csorba Art Catalog: Fragile Resilience

steven csorba

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”But, if it doesn’t make us stronger – does it kill us?

Based on my life experiences – this is the question my art tries to answer. I am not trying to find myself in my art, because the artist who has done so is lost.

As an artist, life for me has become an opportunity to experience challenges, trauma, perseverance, resolve and optimism – to discover and explore human emotion, interactions and limits.

In all of this you find energy. It’s what you do with that energy that matters. I like elevating energy so that it makes people feel good – to feel more alive so that they may challenge themselves

in any way that might help them achieve goals, reach a greater potential or just get more out of life.

STEVEN CSORBA 2016

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Artist Steven Csorba is a painter, printmaker and master of visual remix. During an ten year span (2004-2014) Steven used visual art therapy as a toolto help survive cancer. He created a vast and unprecedented body of workthat celebrates a bold expressionism and optimistic edge. His goal is to use all means of art making and appropriation in an attempt to transgress thebroadest possible comprehension of our world today.

Sketched-out, handpainted, old-school meets new, re-mixed, digitally re-composed and negated, painted and textured, re-mixed again, recycledand so on. His process of art making is a fluid and organic process where thedaunting task of visual remix presents an infinite amount of options – unique,powerful works of art that represent a boundless energy, a cultural recombination of images from all corners of the world. He borrows imagesfrom the depths of art history as well as from art influences and trends thatare only minutes old and often original to the artist himself.

For Steven it’s all about taking the positive energy he can can find andthrough his art and persona – elevating visual experience to higher levels.The powerful energy seen in his art represents the heroic struggle all cancersurvivors go through and projects the drive and depth of a person whoknows life is precious.

As a longtime Edmontonian Steven has devoted countless hours of community service and encourages others to become involved in the lives ofEdmonton children. If he has a chance to help others, he does so with all hisenergy – like it's the last day of his life.

There as focus in every waking moment, a kind of deep-truth view that givescruisers-through life pause for thought. In a nutshell, he's an artist whokicked cancer's ass and donates most of his money and energy to helping others. As the chair of iHuman's capital project, All In! Edmonton he led andconvinced countless corporate sponsors to come together to build a safeplace for endangered traumatized youth to turn their life around through creativity and community building.

During the past ten years – through the donation of his art and as a dedicatedsavy do-gooder, Steven has helped raise over $5 Million for a variety of charities in Alberta. In 2014 an original work of art that he donated to theBuchanan Centre for Parkinson's Disease – auctioned off for $260,000.

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The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest; the essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well. Unknown

Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to. Henry Van Dyke

Show me anyone who has overcome adversity and I’ll show you someone who is successful. Lou Holtz

To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. Tony Dorsett

live your life with purpose & passion

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Painting is, in many senses, like living. We start from scratch, and then build over time. No one knows whatthe end product will be, but one can imagine. Stroke by stroke, thepicture in front of us evolves. Old scars are covered by new colours.The layer beneath is not forgotten, but allows a new layer to be builton. Layer by layer, the figure becomes more formed. Our experiencegrows and more complexity is added. At the same time, our emotionsbegin to come out more and more as our work matures. Eventually,there is a time when we say “I am done”. A character is formed, andis remembered.

The process of creating art is as important, if not more important,than the end product itself. Kierkegaard said that “life can only beunderstood backwards, but it must be lived forward.”

Living is, in many senses, like painting

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Fix You2006

Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection

I love your eyes, my dearTheir splendid sparkling fire

When suddenly you raise them soTo cast a swift embracing glance

Like lightning flashing in the skyBut there's a charm that is greater still

When my love's eyes are loweredWhen all is fired by passion's kiss

And through the downcast lashesI see the dull flame of desire

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Blonde Bombshell 2011


adversity cause someto break; others to

break recordsWilliam A. Ward

be a star.

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Fire Bird2013


“When the artist findshimself – he is lost”

Max Ernst

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The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire

Ferdinand Foch

Passion Number One 2007


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“Sports don’t build character; they reveal it”. Unknown

You can't put a limit on anything. The moreyou dream, the farther you get.

Michael Phelps.

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Happy Bombs Away! 2015 42" x 117" $15,725

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STEVEN CSORBA

• ART OF SPORT• ART OF HOPE• KING OF PAIN <MASK>• FACE VALUE• SUPERHERO’S • HYPERCUT: PIN-UPS• POP-ART• SUPERCUT: ENERGY • BUBBLE GUM – NUDES• GRAFFITI POPCUT• FIRE INSIDE • MARYLYN• MANIKIN (IN THE WINDOW)• CATWALK• FLOWER POWER• FRAGILE RESILIENCE: TERRA

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Centre Ice2009


Tee Shot2010


Style and Grace2012

Mixed Media on CanvasPrivate Collection

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Engine of Hope2006


Ice Dance Gold2010


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Showing Off2004

Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs

$1,800

Passion2004


$1,800

Give Me Strength2004


$1,800

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Potential2004


$1,800

Candy for the Soul2004


$1,800

Simple2006


$1,800

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Sweet2004


$1,800

The Radiation “Mop”2005


$1,800

Climb a Ladder to the Sun2005


$1,800

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Nylon Smile2012

Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection

Velvet Vision2012


Cool Thoughts2012


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King of The Castle2011

Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection Burning Resilience

2012Mixed Media on Panel

Private Collection

The Power to Be 2013

Mixed Media on Panel

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Crown Of Love2012


Lucky Seven2012


Evil Twin2012


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Lose Yourself2012

Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection King Kunta

2012Mixed Media on Panel

Private Collection

This Town's So Strange2010


So Sure (detail) 2009 Acrylic on Panel

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It Never Crossed My Mind2005


I Used to Sleep at Night2005


If These Walls Could Talk2012


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Awake My Soul2008


We Were So Different Then2006


You Gotta Be The One2011


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He Was My Brother2012


I Saw A Saviour2012


Get Fired Up2012


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I’ve Got No Self Control2012


Hello Darkness My Old Friend2012


Man Of Steel2012


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Shake and Bake2009


Bring Your Friends2009


Fame Fame2009


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Yellow Tilt 2010


No Swimming2008


Be My Angel2012


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Super Sonic Splashy2009


She’s A Dish2008


Clean Up On Isle Eight2008


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I Want Your Revenge2012


Little White Lies2012


Hit That Beat2012


Super Mighty Mixy2013


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Carry Your Own Wieght2008


Don’t Let It Get Away2006


Pink and Yellow2006


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Party Animal2006


Holding On2009


Hi-Tech Hero2009


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Taste of Life2006


Twisted Fate2006


I Can’t Deny What I’ve Become2005


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Sweet Symphony2013


See What You Find There2013


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Blast Master2013


(Neon) Tree Machine2013


Possibly Maybe2013


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Escape the Neon Wilderness2012


After The Storm2012


Where Do We Go?2014


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Let Down Your Guard2012


Blast Radius2014


Real Deal2012


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Dubble Bubble2010


Find Me In The Club2010


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2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Cashmere Thoughts2010 Mixed Media on Panel

Flame2010


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Playing Around2011


Think of Me2011


Silk Dreams2011


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Mashing Mickey2009


Task Master2009


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Groove2009


Get Me! Playing Innocent2015


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Mighty Mash2009


Pull No Punches2015


Pillow Of Winds2013


Changes2013


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Ain’t Got No Lullaby2012


It’s Sleeping In My Memory2013


Fire Outside2012


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A Leap of Faith2012 Mixed Media on Panel

Trophy Wife2013 Mixed Media on Panel

Fire Inside2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

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Animal Magic2013


Gimme a Second Chance2013


Change The Game2012


Within Me2011


Rise Above It All2012


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What I’m Looking For2012

Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection Mary Mary

2012 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

Wonder Struck2011 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

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Bad Girl2008


Breath In Breath Out2008


Closing In2008


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Having Too Much Fun2008


Burn2008


Tell Me Something True2006


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Twist of Fate2015


She’s Got Time To Talk2015


Wondaland2015


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Open Your Heart2015


After Thouhgts2015


You Do It To Yourself2015


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The Wind is Blowing2014 Mixed Media on Panel

LA Women2014


I’ll See You Again2014


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Flower Power2015


She’s a Blast2015


Tweet Monster2015


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As a Friend2013


Tell Me Your Secrets2013


Red Battle2012


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The Evils of Lucy2016


It’s My BDay2015


Dark Horse2016


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So Much Energy to Spare2009


Secret Garden2009


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Here We Are Now2012


New Day At The Beach2007


Blood Bath 2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection

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Merge2014


Craddle of Life2007


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Send Me An Angel2006


Red Rain2007


ANYTHING YOU DO AS PASSION IS GOOD MEDICINESTEVEN CSORBA 2007

In many ways Csorba’s paintings are a natural extension of his profound experiencesurviving cancer.

Through his art, he provides an authentic way of recalling the experience of his cancersurvival. His round “tondos of energy” provide a sincere way of trying to make thingswhole again. To make them right. He has created images that make us believe that theenergy within us is real. As in life sometimes it’s hard to tell whether things are buildingor falling apart, but we do know something is happening. And in Csorba’s art the energyreveals itself as something that is unquestionably good.

The energy, subject matter and composition of his art connect his imagery to the powerof their realization, to the very essence of the monumental task and sustained powerthat is needed and connected to survival.

In Csorba’s signature piece “In My Place” the symbolism and connection to purpose is clear.The creation of a new world, a new life, a second chance – is represented by the “earth-like”treatment of colour. Clear and blue, full of water, full of abundance and hope. The risingstars are also symbolic. The stars rise and grow larger, giving power to the meaning thatone can grow stronger from such an experience. Indeed the star he places at the top ofthe sphere is prominent and painted with strength. It sets the stage – predicting apositive future.

In My PlaceGiclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs

$1,800

Adversity is only an obstacle that exists to test andmeasure your character. Csorba transposed the harshside effects of his radiation therapy into a new, more

powerful energy that comes from within his paintings.It’s as if as though the light in his art is escaping from

the inside out – symbolizing the energy we all have inside of us to deal with life’s challenges.

Rain2012Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection

Eachpainting represents a

state of "potential" – a bound-less source of energy to be experi-

enced. I provide the starting point forpeople to look. It's up to the viewer to

explore these round “tondos of energy” andwithin the landscape of their visual journey,

they will find something unique and personal.

In my newest pieces, the swirling, twisting structurethat lies beneath the surface of the picture planeacts as a leverage – it pulls you into the lightsource of inner energy. And this energy is real.It is something that I rely on every day to cope

with the harsh side effect of treatments. Itis an energy that is always powerful,

full of abundance & never void ofhope. This is me. This is

my art.

Showing OffGiclée on Rag 38 x 38 inches

Edition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs

$1,800

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There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between. (Pat Riley)The quality of a person's life is in direct proportionto their commitment to excellence, regardless of

their chosen field of endeavor. (Vince Lombardi)

Staying in the GameAvenue Magazine Edmonton – December Issue 2008words by Mairi MacLean

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Despite radical surgery that stops most people in their tracks, artist StevenCsorba is pumping out innovative paintings, elite soccer players and charitydollars at a torrid pace

Steven Csorba is living his life “like an old man in a hurry,” and laughs while hesays so. But you know he couldn’t be more serious about the hurry part.

Five years after a cancer diagnosis and groundbreaking reconstructive surgeryto his throat and neck, Csorba — a well-known Edmonton painter and print-maker who first came to attention with images of sports heroes such asWayne Gretzky — projects the drive and depth of a person who knows life isprecious. There’s focus in every waking moment, a kind of deep-truth viewthat gives cruisers-through-life pause for thought.

The energy can be seen in a series of new paintings Csorba is doing usingexperimental techniques with vinyl, acrylic paint, broken pieces of Plexiglasand found objects. These bold works explore pop art themes and graffiti, fora look he calls “neo-pop expressionist.” (Select works will be exhibited thismonth at Peter Robertson gallery’s Jasper Avenue location.)

His energy is also revealed in the world-class approach he brings to trainingand mentoring a team of 13-year-old soccer players from Edmonton’s northside, now one of the top-ranked in the country thanks to his large ambitionsfor the teens. And it’s in his uncommon talent for fundraising — since his illnessand recovery, a period he philosophically describes as his “time out,” he hasraised over $250,000 for a variety of community and charitable causes.

That Csorba puts in 75+ hour weeks (50+ hours on art, 15 on the soccer team,the rest hanging out and weight-lifting with his three sons, ages 13 to 17) isnothing short of mindboggling. More than 95 per cent of cancer patients whogo through his type of rare, radical surgery never return to work.

“They cut right across your neck, peel your face off, crack your jaw, take partof your arm to rebuild your throat, stick a tracheotomy in there and follow upwith radiation,” he says matter-of-factly, noting how he lost almost 70 pounds,took morphine for a year and had to teach himself to speak again. He stillwakes up every half hour during the night for a drink of water because helacks saliva, eats mainly soft food and has lost count of the number offollow-up procedures he has had. He awaits a final oral medical procedure toimplant some teeth.

“I kept myself in the game just by doing all this art and community work, usingvisual art as therapy,” he says, relating how he began to create images post-surgery of “wonderful round balls of energy.” These became part of his Art ofHope series, another ambitious fundraising project to improve quality of lifefor cancer patients, as well as an ongoing motif in his work.

“Clearly it’s a challenging way to live. You’re going month-to-month dealingwith surgeries and healing while trying to figure out how to pay the bills,”says Csorba, who lives from art sales. “From an inspirational perspective, I’velearned that I use my energies to inspire capacity in other people; the capacitylies within them.”

On a fine autumn evening, Csorba is out in the river valley putting the soccerteam through its paces. The boys’ families come from Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico,Argentina, Africa and Italy. In many cases, both parents work; some struggleto cover the soccer fees. “The kids’ commitment is never less than 100 percent,” says Csorba, whose son also plays on the team (his other two boys aregifted baseball players).

Lora Farmer, mom to one of the players, says Csorba dedicates an incredible amount of time tothe team and it shows. “Steven works very hard with the boys, and he realizes they are only 13.And he’s amazing at fundraising.”

Earlier this year, Csorba donated $85,000 of his art and eventually raised over $115,000 to takeselect players on a three-week trip to Spain, where they played against some of the best clubsin the world. It’s an example of the super-high standards and goals he sets for the lads. “If you’regoing to go to the well, go with the big bucket, not the small bucket,” Csorba likes to say. “It takesjust as much energy to think big as think small.”

Bob Chelmick, an Edmonton media producer, radio host and artist, met Csorba 10 years ago incommercial art and print-making circles. He describes Csorba as a remarkably dynamic, generousperson and a cutting-edge artist of compelling work. “The creative energy is palpable, to be in hisaura, because he’s a very excited person about living and expressing his ideas,” says Chelmick. “Thecancer really made him turn and look within, I think, and get rid of some superfluous stuff in hislife and focus on what he can do really well. And he can make art really well. His energy is so vitaland vibrant. He goes and goes and goes.”

Staying in the GameAvenue Magazine Edmonton – December Issue 2008words by Mairi MacLean

“The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest; the essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well.” Unknown

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Scale

Small MediumLargeGrandeJumbo

Approximate Size

16” x 24”24” x 36”30” x 40”40” x 60”48” x 72”

Cost*

$ 5,000$ 7,500$ 10,000$ 13,500$ 16,750

COMMISSIONSCsorba is available for commissions of handpainted original works (acrylic on canvas or gessoed board) of athletesand sporting subject matter. He will also paint individual portraits and other subjects upon request. The follow-ing conditions and fee structure apply to all commissioned works. Costs are approximate and negotiable. Addi-tional fees may be required for images requiring more detail, research or additional preliminary “work-up” sketchesand comp drawings.

• The customer must supply high quality photographs for the artist to work from.• If photographs are not available then Csorba will take his own photographs of the athlete performing or subject.

The customer must provide access and accreditation to the sporting event of the subject athlete and pay for all costsassociated with travel and expenses.

• Prior to beginning the final piece, Csorba will complete preliminary compositional sketches for the patron to approve. (These sketches will belong to the artist unless otherwise negotiated).

• A 50% deposit is required before any work is started. The balance is due upon completion of the artwork.• Csorba will own the copyright unless otherwise negotiated.• Most commissions take 2–3 weeks to complete. (Exceptions can be made for timely events).

Csorba can also print and publish limited edition original giclee prints based on the commissioned artwork. In this casethe customer must obtain the proper and necessary trademark permissions from the athlete’s club and/ or organizingleague. All of the printing is done by Csorba in his printmaking studio, using only archival inks on the finest 100% acidfree cotton rag papers and archival quality canvas with protective coatings.

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Golden Goal: 48” x 96”2010 Mixed Media

Acrylic on archival plexiplass/dibondPrivate Collector

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(C) 780.916.4327 [email protected]

Tempted In Our Minds2011


Documents

Csorba Art Catalog: Fragile Resilience