When I passed through the doors of Steve Shaw's home today, little did I realize that I was following a well beaten path made by others who had come to visit this most creative man.
Steven is well known for his skill in making leather masks.
Steve explains the genesis of his masks: "Masks were worn by troubadours." and troubadours can be called "truth adorers." and "We are all cosmic gypsies" like the troubadours who wandered the highways and byways of Europe, providing entertainment and insights into life.
His masks are brilliantly designed. They are made from leather and are of a quality which one would expect to find worn by Shakespearean players. They are colourful, aptly named for metaphorical concepts,(Fallen, Autumn Wind, Rainbow Butterfly, Tree Jester, Stardust and Crossroads Owl, for instance)and are finely sculptured and comfortable to wear. I asked Steve and his partner Ruth to pose with me (centre) for the top picture.
Steve lives near Parsons, a small village along Highway 95, south of Golden, BC.
This is an area inhabited by some of the most uniquely creative individuals you would expect to find concentrated in one small area of Canada. And like many of them, Steve made his way over the Rockies after having lived elsewhere.
First of all, please allow me to back up a step.
Steve is the offspring of American parents who migrated to Canada. He is also the father of three children and for many years he made his living in interior decorating, design and in the furniture business near Washago Beach, Ontario. About ten years ago, Steve decided that the pressure and stress of the business world wasn't worth it. So, he packed his bags and headed west.
Steven struggled with dyslexia throughout his life and in his youth he refused to yield to the pressure of changing from writing with his left hand to his right. And as any student of psychology will tell you - left handers have strong right brain hemisphere development.
Steve playfully defines himself as a Dysfunctional Human in Training. (D.H.I.T) And his artistic life training includes, writing, art and mystical presentations.
I enjoyed Steve's creative play with words. A play that was rife with subtleties of meaning.
I invite you to join me in taking a fascinating journey into Steve's world by clicking here to open his website. And be sure to check his video for this is where Steve opens the door to his universe.
