About the artwork
Esteban Camacho Steffensen
Peoples of the Columbia, 2010
Recycled acrylic and natural pigment paint
Located on the 6th floor the
Academic and Student Recreational Center, in two adjoining hallways
Peoples of the Columbia is a multi-sectional mural depicting scenes from local Native culture in the Columbia Gorge region, including traditional methods of stripping wood from trees and hunting salmon.
About the artist
Esteban Camacho Steffensen is an international "eco muralist" with commissioned artwork in Costa Rica, Spain and the United States. He received his BFA in painting with an emphasis in public art from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. His subject matter is environmentally focused, bridging biology, education and fine art. Most of his artwork has been produced in public spaces for universities and city institutions, where he works with community leaders during the design process and involves local youth and students in the painting and production. This mural was executed as his thesis project for PNCA.
From Steffensen's blog: "My art represents nature, yet embedded within it is a social dialogue, which is at the heart of political and community art. One of my goals producing murals is creating images of sustainability and hope for communities around the world using a synthesis of art and ecology. I work with people sustainably, using recycled paint, focusing on the proper use of materials to ensure their durability. (I still use my brushes from 2003.) I recognize the unceasing struggle to change, and I help the environment by maintaining optimism though our search for balance between Earth and humankind."
See more of Steffensen's work on their website.
Banner image: Photo by Josh Gates.