Tondos of Boundless Energy

In 2003, Steven Csorba was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw and underwent 14 hours of surgery, seven weeks of radiation treatments, and four years of recuperation.  Steven sees himself as more than just a cancer survivor – but rather an artist who can take the lessons he learned from his cancer experience and help the world “see hope” in a completely different way. Steven wants to accomplish this through the power and energy of the art that he created during his four year cancer period.

In many ways Steven Csorba’s paintings are a natural extension of his profound experience surviving cancer. Through his experience of battling cancer and the harsh side effects of surgery and radiation treatments, Steven has come to realize the “potential of hope” when it is combined with the advanced medical treatments and visual art therapy.

Through his art, he provides an authentic way of recalling the experience of his cancer survival. His round “tondos of energy” provide a sincere way of trying to make things whole again. To make them right.  He has created images that make us believe that the energy within us is real.  As in life sometimes it’s hard to tell whether things are building or falling apart, but we do know something is happening.  And in Csorba’s art the energy reveals itself as a powerful force.

The energy, subject matter and composition of his art connect his imagery to the power of their realization, to the very essence of the monumental task and sustained power that is needed and connected to survival.  Adversity is only an obstacle that exists to test and measure your character.  Csorba transposed the harsh side effects of his radiation therapy into this new and more powerful energy that comes from within his paintings.  It’s as if as though the light in his art is escaping from the inside out – symbolizing the energy we all have inside of us to deal with life’s challenges.

Symbolism

In Csorba’s signature tondo pieces the symbolism and connection to purpose is clear.  The creation of a new world, a new life, a second chance – is often represented by the “earth-like” treatment of colour. Clear and blue, full of water, full of abundance and hope.  The rising stars are also symbolic. The stars rise and grow larger, giving power to the meaning that one can grow stronger from such an experience.  Indeed the stars he places at the top of many of the spheres are prominent and painted with strength. They set the stage – predicting a positive future.

Potential

“Potential is the ability to inspire others through a strong sense of purpose and hope to “achieve something together” that is much greater than the sum of it’s parts.”  Each image represents a state of "potential",  a boundless source of energy to be experienced.  I provide the starting point for people to look.  It's up to the viewer to explore these round “tondos of energy” and within the landscape of their visual journey, they will find something unique.

In my newest pieces, the swirling, twisting structure are composed beneath the surface of the picture plane and act as a leverage – they pull you into the light source of inner energy.  And this energy is real.  It is something that I rely on every day to cope with the harsh side effect of treatments.  It is an energy that is always powerful, full of abundance and never void of hope.”

This is me.  This is my art.