Steve Forbis
1950

Steve Forbis is unquestionably the finest pencil artist working with emphasis on Native Americans. His lithographs are multi-layered and highly labor intensive resulting in an almost unbelievable level of realism. The works are color pencil "lithographs" in that they are color and value crafted rather than linear drawings. Forbis is a truly unique artist and craftsman.

Steve Forbis was academically trained as an anthropologist, not and artist. His art is self-taught. Before he starts any work, he spends extended time learning what feelings that person hopes to have expressed. Steve Forbis' work reflects his friendship and sensitivity to the Native Americans of the Southwestern United States. He is creating a visual history of the Indian people as they live today. He combines this rapport with precise attention to detail. His works are alive and vibrant with this commitment! Mr. Forbis wishes to draw attention to American Indian persons and traditions. He desires to present their values world wide for people today and all posterity.