Episode 211 - Steve Lopes

Episode 211 - Steve Lopes

Author: Fiona Verity, Julie Nicholson and Gary Seller February 18, 2025 Duration: 51:46

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Steve Lopes 

“I try to deal with the figure and the landscape together. For me, it’s about the relationship we have with our surrounds. The tension
between the two both visually and metaphorically is what makes it
interesting to tackle as a subject.”   Steve Lopes 

Born in Sydney, Lopes trained in both Australia and the UK, refining a unique visual language that blends elements of traditional landscape painting with an expressive, contemporary edge. His work is often informed by extensive field studies and travel, particularly to remote locations. He sketches and paints en plein air, later developing large-scale studio works that evoke memory, movement, and human connection to the land.

Lopes’ compositions have a cinematic quality—his figures, often rendered in thick, impasto brushstrokes, appear caught in fleeting, introspective moments. His work is deeply influenced by history, migration, and the changing nature of identity, making his paintings both personal and universally resonant.

A highly regarded artist, Lopes has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally. His work is held in major public and private collections, and he has been a finalist in prestigious art prizes, including the Archibald and Wynne Prizes.

Join us as we discuss Lopes’ artistic journey, his approach to storytelling through paint, and the influences that have shaped his dynamic practice.

Thanks for talking to us, Steve. 


There's a fair bit of nonsense that comes with trying to make a life in the arts, something Fiona Verity, Julie Nicholson and their host Gary Seller know all too well. Their Art Wank podcast cuts through that with honest conversations and a good dose of Aussie humour. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a studio or a pub, listening as these three curious artists dissect their own creative journeys and the wider art world. They bring on a fantastic mix of guests-practicing artists, curators, gallery owners, and teachers-to get real about the business, education, and personal hustle behind the paintings and sculptures. It’s not just theory; it’s practical advice, shared failures, and the occasional triumph, all wrapped in the kind of banter that makes the whole scene feel a lot less intimidating. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine sense of community, whether you're an established creative, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the messy, human side of making art. You’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing, and maybe even rethinking what it means to build a creative life, all while they navigate the ins and outs of the industry with a wry smile.
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