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
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
adversity cause someto break; others to
break recordsWilliam A. Ward
be a star.
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Fire Bird2013
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
“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
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
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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
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
Tee Shot2010
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
Style and Grace2012
Mixed Media on CanvasPrivate Collection
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Engine of Hope2006
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
Ice Dance Gold2010
Acrylic on PanelPrivate Collection
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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
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
Give Me Strength2004
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
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Potential2004
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
Candy for the Soul2004
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
Simple2006
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
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Sweet2004
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
The Radiation “Mop”2005
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
Climb a Ladder to the Sun2005
Giclée on Rag 38 x 38 inchesEdition of 10 s/n prints plus 3 artist proofs
$1,800
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Nylon Smile2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Velvet Vision2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Cool Thoughts2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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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
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Lucky Seven2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Evil Twin2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Lose Yourself2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection King Kunta
2012Mixed Media on Panel
Private Collection
This Town's So Strange2010
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
So Sure (detail) 2009 Acrylic on Panel
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It Never Crossed My Mind2005
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
I Used to Sleep at Night2005
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
If These Walls Could Talk2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Awake My Soul2008
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
We Were So Different Then2006
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
You Gotta Be The One2011
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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He Was My Brother2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
I Saw A Saviour2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Get Fired Up2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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I’ve Got No Self Control2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Hello Darkness My Old Friend2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Man Of Steel2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Shake and Bake2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Bring Your Friends2009
Mixed Media on Panel
Fame Fame2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Yellow Tilt 2010
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
No Swimming2008
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Be My Angel2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Super Sonic Splashy2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
She’s A Dish2008
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Clean Up On Isle Eight2008
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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I Want Your Revenge2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Little White Lies2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Hit That Beat2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Super Mighty Mixy2013
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Carry Your Own Wieght2008
Mixed Media on Panel
Don’t Let It Get Away2006
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Pink and Yellow2006
Mixed Media on Panel
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Party Animal2006
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Holding On2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Hi-Tech Hero2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Taste of Life2006
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Twisted Fate2006
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
I Can’t Deny What I’ve Become2005
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Sweet Symphony2013
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
See What You Find There2013
Mixed Media on Panel
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Blast Master2013
Mixed Media on Panel
(Neon) Tree Machine2013
Mixed Media on Panel
Possibly Maybe2013
Mixed Media on Panel
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Escape the Neon Wilderness2012
Mixed Media on Panel
After The Storm2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Where Do We Go?2014
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Let Down Your Guard2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Blast Radius2014
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Real Deal2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Dubble Bubble2010
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Find Me In The Club2010
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
44Booty Call #1
2010 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection
Cashmere Thoughts2010 Mixed Media on Panel
Flame2010
Mixed Media on Panel
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Playing Around2011
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Think of Me2011
Mixed Media on Panel
Silk Dreams2011
Mixed Media on Panel
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Mashing Mickey2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Task Master2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Groove2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Get Me! Playing Innocent2015
Mixed Media on Panel
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Mighty Mash2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Pull No Punches2015
Mixed Media on Panel
Pillow Of Winds2013
Mixed Media on Panel
Changes2013
Mixed Media on Panel
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Ain’t Got No Lullaby2012
Mixed Media on Panel
It’s Sleeping In My Memory2013
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Fire Outside2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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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
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Gimme a Second Chance2013
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Change The Game2012
Mixed Media on Panel
Within Me2011
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Rise Above It All2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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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
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Breath In Breath Out2008
Mixed Media on Panel
Closing In2008
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Having Too Much Fun2008
Mixed Media on Panel
Burn2008
Mixed Media on Panel
Tell Me Something True2006
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Twist of Fate2015
Mixed Media on Panel
She’s Got Time To Talk2015
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Wondaland2015
Mixed Media on Panel
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Open Your Heart2015
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
After Thouhgts2015
Mixed Media on Panel
You Do It To Yourself2015
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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The Wind is Blowing2014 Mixed Media on Panel
LA Women2014
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
I’ll See You Again2014
Mixed Media on Panel
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Flower Power2015
Mixed Media on Panel
She’s a Blast2015
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Tweet Monster2015
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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As a Friend2013
Mixed Media on Panel
Tell Me Your Secrets2013
Mixed Media on Panel
Red Battle2012
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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The Evils of Lucy2016
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
It’s My BDay2015
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Dark Horse2016
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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So Much Energy to Spare2009
Mixed Media on Panel
Secret Garden2009
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Here We Are Now2012
Mixed Media on Panel
New Day At The Beach2007
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
Blood Bath 2006 Mixed Media on Panel Private Collection
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Merge2014
Mixed Media on Panel
Craddle of Life2007
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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Send Me An Angel2006
Mixed Media on Panel
Red Rain2007
Mixed Media on PanelPrivate Collection
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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