15 Incredible Artworks By Robert Steven Connett That Celebrate The Weird And Wonderful

Connett’s paintings blur the line between the beautiful and the bizarre. Using intricate detail and a deep understanding of biology, he creates entire ecosystems that feel alive, filled with writhing organisms, glowing sea creatures, and fantastical beings that belong to another dimension. His work reminds us that nature isn’t just pretty sunsets and soft petals; it’s strange, alien, and endlessly creative.

But Connett’s journey to becoming a full-time artist was anything but conventional. In an interview with DeMilked, he shared how his creative life took shape over time: “I’ve been creating art since I was a child; I was born in San Francisco in August 1951. However, I didn’t seriously pursue my creativity as a career until I was almost 50 years old. That isn’t to say I stopped making art—I was constantly drawing and painting. For over 20 years, I worked as an insurance broker in San Francisco. I spent my free time after work and on weekends devoted to my artistic passion. Eventually, the urge to create art regularly and full-time became too strong to ignore. I sold my business and moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles to start anew as an artist. Recognition of my work took a long time. However, once I began creating my work full-time, I slowly started receiving interest and began exhibiting in a few galleries in the Los Angeles area. In the last 20 years, I have exhibited my work in numerous galleries, not only in the United States but also in other countries.”

His passion for art is deeply rooted in his fascination with marine life and the mysteries of the natural world. He explained that the ocean has always held a special place in his imagination: “At this point, I am inspired by almost everything around me. However, I have always been especially captivated by oceanic creatures. At one point in my life, I considered pursuing a career as a marine biologist. However, I entered the insurance industry instead because I had an opportunity to do so. Although I stuck with it for the income for over two decades, I was not happy in that job.”

The decision to leave behind a stable career and pursue art full-time wasn’t easy, but it changed everything for him: “The transition from insurance to art was a significant and wonderful change in my life, but it did not come easily. Initially, I was uncertain whether I could make a living as an artist, and to be honest, it has been tough. However, I now understand that following my passion for creating artwork is the best decision I’ve ever made. A decision that was made, ‘better late than never’!”

His fascination with sea life dates back to childhood fishing trips with his father, moments that would later shape his visual universe: “The paintings dedicated to oceanic creatures are rooted in my childhood fishing trips with my father. We would wake up at 5 AM and navigate through the dark, foggy streets of San Francisco in 1958 when I was just 7 years old. Our first stop was Municipal Pier for bait, followed by a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, where we kept a small boat moored. Trembling from the morning chill, I would exhale steam into the cold air as my father started the engine. The unforgettable smells of gasoline, bait, and saltwater filled my senses. We would catch everything from sharks and stingrays to salmon and striped bass, along with many strange, unidentifiable sea creatures! During those formative years, I encountered mysterious beings that seemed to come from another world.”

Today, those early memories are clearly visible in his work. His paintings often blend the organic and the otherworldly, merging the deep sea with distant cosmic realms: “Some of my paintings reflect a blend of deep-sea life and theoretical outer-space creatures, and I am fairly certain that this is where my inspiration originated.”

When describing his creative process, Connett emphasizes spontaneity, discipline, and joy: “My creative process is quite simple. I strive to fully immerse myself in my studio, where all my tools are readily accessible every day. I typically have at least one project on my easel, keeping that project at the forefront of my mind. Often, I’ll start with an idea, but the painting that emerges from that idea may look entirely different from my initial vision. This unpredictability is part of the fun for me. I never know what direction the painting might take, and I’m always prepared to make changes and pursue whatever excites me during the process. For me, it has to be fun and thrilling!”

He also shared his preference for acrylics and how his medium contributes to his dynamic style: “I primarily use acrylic paint because I prefer it over oil; its quick drying time allows me to express my ideas and experiment rapidly. Additionally, I have learned to incorporate various glazes and additives to achieve different effects. The technical aspects of the medium present both a challenge and an enjoyment for me. I’m continually learning, which helps keep my mind engaged. My artwork fosters a fascination with everything around me and maintains a constant sense of wonder about life.”

Here are some incredible artworks by Robert Steven Connett that reflect this deep curiosity and love for the strange and spectacular sides of life.

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