Each year as I begin a series of blogs, I try to find a theme to follow. This year that theme is “something new.” I will try each week to bring a new experience to my blog. This week I am interviewing local artist, Robert Steele (portrait by Wes Gray Photography). I’ve known Robert and his wife, Julie, for over 20 years and we don’t see each other as much as we used to. But like old friends do, we recently gravitated back to each other due to reunions, deaths of friends, etc. And for the first time, I bought some of Robert’s art. He is also the artist for the Q-Spot in Enid and uses many different media for a canvas. His art can be insightful, funny, strange, but always unique, like the artist himself. So, please welcome local Enid artist, Robert Steele.
Peggy – Tell us about your background. Who you are, where you are from?
Robert – I’m a local boy…grew up in Enid, OK born in 1950. High school drop-out drafted at 19 and went to Vietnam, decorations include the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. Graduated with a BFA painting, drawing, and advertising art. 
Peggy – Besides being an artist, what else have you done in your life?
Robert – Black-Belt in Aikido and Judo, 8th Dan. Security Contractor for the US Air Force.
Peggy – What themes does your art explore and what do you hope people will take away from the experience?
Robert – Life and Death. What I have personally experienced. Honor, loyalty, bravery, honesty and sacrifice. Looking at life Past, Present, and Future. What could have been…what might be…what could be. 
Peggy – What prompted you to be an artist and did you have a specific inspiration in mind? Were you influenced by a certain person, or other artist?
Robert – Inspired internally, I guess. Was going to be an artist no matter what. 
Peggy – If you could compare your art to any other existing works, which ones would it be and why?
Robert – I’ve studied art my whole life….everything I’ve seen inspires me. Other artist inspired…or a piece of wire from the street that’s been run over a 100 times….and natures art.
Peggy – I noticed in the piece I bought of the old Viking, there was an illusion of others in the background – maybe a battle was beginning – does your art normally have a story in the background for others to notice? Why? 
Robert – Always a story….I wish I could ACT, PERFORM MUSIC. Or WRITE NOVELS. I have to tell my stories with paint and pencil.
Peggy – Tell us about your latest work and what inspired you.
Robert – A series of experiences from Vietnam…..Cowboys and Gunslingers…Hot Rods and Motorcycles…Rock Band old and new…portraits. 
Peggy – How can someone contact you? Or buy your art?
Robert – steele.robert62@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/robert.steele.10
Peggy – Thanks for taking the time for this interview. All the best!
Robert – Thanks so much for your interest in my work. 
Peggy Chambers "Views from the Hammock" site 