Steven Ziebarth

Steven P. Ziebarth is a multi-disciplinary artist whose productive work includes painting, drawing, ceramics and bonsai. Primarily a figurative painter, his interest centers around the exploration of subjective color within carefully crafted value relationships and the rendering of recognizable form.

His subject matter ranges from the figure to the landscape, but he views the subject as secondary, a vehicle of sorts in pursuit of certain ineffable qualities relating to the mood of the work.

He has placed his painting work in internationally juried exhibitions, in museum shows and in galleries in New York City, Santa Fe and Ontario and at various regional venues. His ceramic work is also in high demand by private collectors throughout Europe and the United States.

Ziebarth teaches all levels of painting, along with color theory and the junior and senior seminar course. Invested in his students, he takes great satisfaction in watching them develop as artists through their time at BW.

Interview with the Artist

Why did you choose to teach at BW?

"I appreciate the intellectual rigor that the liberal arts tradition offers to the young artist. The breadth of knowledge obtained in the core curriculum often informs the artistic decisions our students make about their own work with regards to form, content and concept."

How do you mentor students?

"I get to know students as individuals through conversations in the studios. Discussions occur on just about every topic from the hopes and fears of life to pop culture and career goals. These life-affirming—and sometimes life-altering —conversations are one of the great advantages of a smaller department like ours. We get to know our students and they get to know us."

What do students like best about your class?

"I push them to be their best while maintaining a sense of humor about it. Making art is really being involved in the best possible combination of work and play."