Stephen Paternite

Stephen Paternite (American born: 1952) multi-media artist (known for his Roadkill artwork) received his initial art training in the early 1970's at Cooper School of Art, Cleveland, Ohio

Career Achievements

In 1973, Paternite published 2 limited edition portfolios of serigraphic prints, entitled "Six Clouds" volume 1 and volume 2 In 1974, he was the recipient of an "Artists Fellowship Award" (sculpture) from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Washington, D.C In 1980, Paternite published "The Infrared Portfolio" a limited-edition portfolio of 10 original black-and-white infrared photographs, with an introduction by Robert M. Doty In 1981, Paternite published "Below The Visible Spectrum" a limited-edition portfolio of 10 original black-and-white infrared photographs, with introductions by Nicholas C. Hlobeczy and Joe LaRose In 1982, he co-edited and published the "American Infrared Survey" this book, (the first of its kind) explored artistic trends in black-and-white & color infrared photography. Over 300 photographers from across the United States participated in this project, which not only resulted in the publication of the book, but also a travelling exhibition of original infrared photographs. The "American Infrared Survey" traveling exhibition toured the following venues:

  The Florida Institute of Technology, Jensen Beach, Florida, in 1983
  The County College of Morris, Morris, New Jersey, in 1984
  The Vivian Esders Gallery, Paris, France, in 1984
  Images Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1986

In 1988, Paternite was awarded an "Individual Artists Fellowship" (sculpture) from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC)., Columbus, Ohio

Media

In 1994, he co-produced a VHS video entitled "Creature-Nites of Ohio" ~ This bizarrely humorous docu-drama highlighted the life and times of 10 species of hybrid animals created by Paternite in 1989. (approximate running time: 11 minutes). Stephen Paternite has been creating art with dead creatures for over sixteen years, probably longer. His creations are funny and clever. As well, he has created a wonderful video called "Creature Nites” which is a docu-drama of non-existent creatures. In 2003, Paternite (self) produced a DVD, entitled "Too Gross For Discovery" ~ This dvd is the original (rough-cut) episode of "Dirty Jobs" with host Mike Rowe. The episode from 2003, which featured the roadkill artwork of Stephen Paternite, was ultimately rejected by the network for being "too gross" for broadcast. (approximate running time: 17 minutes) ...... In 2004, Paternite published a limited-edition lithographic art print illustrating 7 mixed-media animal sculptures he created between 2002 & 2004.

Since he began his art career in 1970, Stephen Paternite has exhibited his artwork in over 130 group exhibitions, and has mounted 16 one-person shows throughout the United States and South America.

Controversy

In 1989, Paternite became embroiled in a bizarre controversy regarding some of his (government-funded) animal sculptures. During an exhibition of his (Ohio Arts Council) grant sculptures at the Canton Art Institute, in Ohio, an uproar of sorts ensued over Paternite's use or mixture of real freeze-dried cats and baby-doll parts, and that he had received a government grant to make such inappropriate and disgusting artwork. The local controversy, which lasted for months, escalated to national attention when CNN (Cable News Network) began airing the story on its "Prime News" segment.

External links

• Too Gross for Discovery - the "banned" Dirty Jobs episode.
• "Creature Nites of Ohio Controversy - Letters to the editor regarding Animal Sculpture Show