Eagle-eyed Melbourne visitors can spot Stephen Baker's work in places like Melbourne Central and near the Fitzroy Pool. Now the artist has created a brilliant new work inspired by the city, An Evening with Friends.
Alluring figures
'The atmosphere in Melbourne is different during the cooler months,' says artist Stephen Baker, reflecting on the creation of his latest artwork, An Evening with Friends (pictured in our banner above).
'There’s more noise and warmth to the bars, and everyone’s huddled in together and glad to be out of the cold. The colours are also more vibrant at night, with the shops still open past sunset. Rainy nights create mirrored sidewalks reflecting the cars passing by. It’s such an enchanting time.'
Art aesthetic
Stephen’s style is unique. His bold forms and tonal palettes dominate his pieces, with their human figures created using shapes and lines. Although often painted onto canvas or wooden board, a couple of his best-known works sit on much larger surfaces.
Pool Parade, a mural on the wall outside the Fitzroy Pool, introduced him to a broad spectrum of the community, both personally – as he was painting the image, people would stop and talk to him – and artistically. Then there are other pieces at Greig Street in Seddon, outside Brunswick Baths and at Camberwell Markets.
