Steve Portteus

Mixed media

I grew up in the Seattle area and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from Western Washington University in 1980. From there, I traveled through Europe studying German and art, before moving to California to study Motion Picture production at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara where I earned my second BA. I then returned to Seattle where I began my ceramics business in 1985.

I have shown my work in galleries, restaurants and offices throughout the Pacific Northwest since the late 1980s. Most recently, I was a resident artist at the Brick-and-Mortar Gallery in Tacoma and have been a member of the Verksted Gallery since January 2025. I have lived in Gig Harbor, Washington since 1995 with my family, and recently retired from my job at a local school district and am now sculpting full-time.

I have focused most of my professional art career on creating works that represent the landscapes, seascapes, and details of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. My technique and style have evolved over the years and have now settled into a fanciful and colorful unique style that captures the feel and spirit of my subjects.

To make these pieces, I start by making a variety of ceramic and wood pieces by hand that will be included in the composition. These include ceramic trees, rocks, sea life, and tiny balls for decoration as well as painted toothpick ends for background trees and craft wood for boats, islands, houses, fences etc. I also occasionally include found sticks that I modify with epoxy and stains. Once all of the components have been fired and glazed or painted, I choose a piece of plywood based on its size and grain pattern then lay out my composition and stain the background with a color template. I then attach all of the individual ceramic and wood pieces with wood glue or epoxy. I am constantly exploring new ways of using epoxy resin to create new water and fog effects to enhance the look and feel of the Pacific Northwest. Once a piece is made, I use weathered barn or cedar fence wood for the frame. I will often make multiple versions of popular scenes, but each piece is unique and one of a kind. I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I enjoy making them.