Gus Typographic Art Lithograph – by Steve Wishart

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 18” x 20” lithograph signed and numbered by Steve Wishart ABOUT THE ARTIST Born in Toronto and living in Central Ontario, Steve Wishart received his training in the Georgian College Graphic Design program, graduating with honours. He got his start in the Canadian television industry, and has done graphic design, illustrative and animated commercial work for CHUM Ltd, The Toronto Blue Jays and Bell Media. As well as a previous opportunity creating a poster for The Tragically Hip, that was featured in their Long Time Running Super Deluxe Collector's Edition Box Set.  Wishart’s artistic process starts with the basic building blocks of an idea and expands on the concept Wishart’s artistic process starts with the basic building blocks of an idea and expands on the concept using a relative-thought process to achieve the finished piece. His work has a strong connection to pop-culture ranging into realism and utilizing a combination of typographic, flat and three-dimensional styles and techniques to build his original works. Steve's creative avenues also include drawing anything and everything Star Wars, but reaching beyond his artwork, he is a also a musician. That is where his deep appreciation and great respect for The Tragically Hip and the Canadian music scene is rooted. He has four original, independent albums to his credit and even had the honour of performing the Canadian National Anthem at a minor league baseball game.  ABOUT THE ART  Limited Edition of 150 – signed, lithograph print entitled “Gus”. Based on the Tragically Hip's song, Gus The Polar Bear From Central Park, this piece is entirely created typographically - using the name “Gus” written over and over again to complete the overall image of a Polar Bear in captivity that longs for the days of being free and feared. “This piece was incredibly therapeutic for me…I was in the midst of a recent diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis that hampered my vision. To complete it, I was literally covering one eye, drawing a bit and then moving the eye patch to the other eye to avoid double-vision.” Wishart goes on to state “I found this a very relatable subject matter, as Gus was trapped from being what he once was or could be. The walls of his enclosure were no different than the optical impairment I was experiencing as a result of my condition. It felt limiting and confining to me and felt like I would never be myself again. To be able to use this song to help get me through a very difficult time and present the band with a piece of art on the other side of it was very rewarding. It's a silver-lining to be able to say thank-you to the band and share this with their fans at the same time.

The first week of November is Polar Bear Week, we are celebrating them all month. 

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