I think of collaging as keeping a visual art diary. By using bits of old clothes, faded letters, passports, etc., I give past memories a new existence. Using scraps of newspapers, homemade papers, tickets etc., I add to the paintings tangible pieces of contemporary life.

I include dark spaces in my work to acknowledge the existence of negative aspects of life, such as struggle or pain. Alongside the dark areas one frequently finds a transparent glow of watercolor, representing hope. I want my paintings to be ultimately inspirational and beautiful.

This is the philosophy of award-winning St. Louis artist Marian Steen, and can be seen throughout her work.

Marian also creates personalized commissions commemorating your special occasion such as a wedding or christening or creating your own heirloom painting to celebrate an anniversary or birthday. You can contact her at her studio in St. Louis.

Through Marian's frequent participation in art shows around the country, she has won many awards and much acclaim over the years. Her work hangs in the collections of some of the nation's finest corporations including Citibank, Ralston Purina, Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter Inc. , and Hallmark.

Rebirth, 2002
Passage Series