Our Story
When it comes to art, some things just simply cannot be evaluated from a distance.
Last summer, sculptor James Shoop—whose artwork many of you know and love—was visiting New York City and mentioned my name to fellow artist friend: Steven Assael.
After an initial conversation with Steven, which left me deeply curious, I did what felt necessary: I booked a flight, cleared a day, and flew to NYC to meet with him and see his work in person.
I am so glad I did.
Standing in Steven's studio, surrounded by his canvases and graphite drawings, I experienced something that is genuinely difficult to articulate. His work doesn’t just invite you to look — it pulls you in - and keeps you there.
Steven’s paintings are exquisite — technically extraordinary, emotionally layered, and narratively bold. They explore humanity with honesty and courage, including the parts of the human experience that are complicated, tender, and real.
Where people often look away, Steven looks directly in. His subjects are often the unseen, the unconsidered — and through his hand, their story becomes impossible to ignore. It is mesmerizing. It pushes edges. And it stays with you long after you have left the room.
Decision made.
~Jen