BLACK SWAMP BLUES - Steve Karla

On a dual path from the start, having been raised around music making in the heartland and drawing since he could hold a pencil, there was never a question in Steve’s mind that he was meant to be an artist of both visual and musical mediums.

An early foundation in classical western music, taught by the ear training method known as Suzuki, combined with Steve’s rebellious nature, led him to seek out the possibilities of improvisation in blues and jazz once he switched to guitar.

This concept of improvisation directly influenced his art making approach as he focused on the possibilities through ceramic sculpture and drawings during his undergraduate and graduate experience. Each work is an attempt at accessing a mindset beyond uncertainty and doubt, free of all presumptions and expectations, while becoming a conduit for the creative spirit.

Most recently Steve has been working on sizeable collage creations, “Geoscapes,” that owe much of their inspiration to the whimsical scenes from artists like Heironymous Bosch, M.C. Escher, and Salvadore Dali. The works of R.Crumb have also been influential, along with his musical sense. Other musical influences include Robert Jr. Lockwood, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Sol Hoopii, Bob Wills,
Charlie Christian, and Django Reinhardt.

Steve moved to Asheville after working as a production potter and playing lap steel and guitar in a swing band in Tennessee. He can be seen sitting in with local musicians, and is also half of a guitar and ukelele duo with his wife Hali, combining the styles of classic jazz standards, Hawaiian, blues, and gypsy swing.
If you like what I’m doing, Like Bman’s Blues Report Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”