Steven Ribuffo
In the diverse world of art, where every artist seeks to carve their unique niche, Steven Ribuffo has successfully intertwined the realms of photography and digital art. Hailing from New York, specifically the charming town of Northport in Long Island, Steven’s journey is an amalgamation of old-school charm, digital innovation, and a keen eye for the abstract.
Steven's tryst with art began young, thanks to an enriching art program in his school district. It was in high school that he stumbled upon the wonders of Photoshop and digital cameras. The initial spark was ignited, leading to the creation of collages that would later become his signature style. While many perceive photography as merely capturing a moment, for Steven, it's a therapeutic process. He likens it to archery - compose, shoot, and repeat. The act of looking through the lens offers him a quiet solace, allowing him to filter out the noise of the world and focus on the subject.
Every artist faces their set of obstacles. For Steven, the constant challenge stems from his perfectionist nature. Being hyper-critical of his own work, he often grapples with self-doubt. As a graphic designer by day, he's often drawing from the same well of creativity, making it challenging to switch gears and tap into his artistic side post work. Moreover, Steven feels that the art community is yet to fully embrace digital work as "fine art," leading to moments of discouragement.
Steven finds inspiration in various forms of art. War photography, with its raw and unfiltered portrayal of reality, holds a special place in his heart. While he doesn’t consider himself strictly a photographer, he does see parallels with painters and printmakers, using photographs as a medium for mark-making. When asked about his target audience, Steven's answer is simple yet profound: "Anyone with eyes." As for artists he admires, Augustine Kofie tops the list with his mesmerizing collage work. And when it comes to collaboration, Steven is all about community, eager to work with local artists he’s grown up with, as well as newcomers in the scene.
Steven's work with digital art is nothing short of a visual symphony. His creations, primarily architectural in nature, serve as abstract urban landscapes, capturing the essence of movement, time, and memory. The process involves layering photos in Photoshop, emphasizing the geometry of the places he sees. The end result? A piece that exudes cohesion, balance, and beauty. Recently, he's been experimenting with color, adding a new dimension to his grayscale creations. Beyond the digital realm, Steven is also exploring traditional mediums like charcoal and collage.
What sets Steven apart is not just his unique style but his perspective on art. He doesn't view art as a competition but as an expression. His method, combined with the end result, makes his creations stand out, offering viewers a fresh take on digital art.
Steven Ribuffo's journey, from the streets of Northport to the vast canvas of digital art, is a testament to his passion, dedication, and unique vision. His work resonates with many, and we're excited to witness the future chapters of his artistic story.
