Horror Art: Steve Hurd

BIO:

Though prone to periods of wanderlust, I have been stuck in The Appalachian Mountains for what has seemed like an eternity. I began to alter my surroundings in the early 2000s, starting with decoupaging every flat surface I could find. People found these projects unusual, but interesting, as nobody else had neither coffee tables nor bookcases that were also 3D collages.

In 2008, my left leg was crushed by 12000 pounds, and I had to learn to walk again. This lengthy process involved hours of rehabilitation, copious amounts of drugs, and three surgeries. After surgery in 2009, I died briefly. In between praying for death and being riddled with crippling pain, and having a newly found abundance of free time, I continued to make mixed-media art and decoupage over everything.
Last year I started making jewelry. I bought a Dremel, and started altering little found objects in to jewelry. These projects eventually grew in to what is seen here, and continue to grow, with works completed measuring 3-4 feet. A life-long horror-movie and culture fan, I simply channel years of dark images and thoughts in to the discarded objects, forgotten holiday decorations, and pieces of antique gadgetry that I acquire.

Almost every element in these works are altered before being assembled, from the focal pieces to the tiniest hardware, from simple dry-brushing to complete modification. I have never received any art-training, but have always been artistically inclined. I offer my works for sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/runkpockart.

Currently I am studying psychology at The University of Pittsburgh. A successful salesman and online business owner in the past, after the changes that came from my industrial accident, and the life and death repercussions accompanying this caused me to pursue an education after several years of working. Last year, I won a business grant competition sponsored by the school, and have undertaken an initiative to help expose unknown artists. The overall goal is to seek funding for kiosks operating in highly visible areas, that will only sell work by artists from their location.

Horror Art: Steve Hurd