STEPHEN COSTELLO
PLACES

ARTIST STATEMENT

Architecture has been a fascination for most of my adult life. For the last several years, I have been making a series of architectural constructions using recycled materials. I make the sculptures to appreciate, illustrate and preserve buildings that speak to me, calling me–and, I hope, others– to look again.

ABOUT STEPHEN COSTELLO

Stephen Costello is an artist and writer who divides his time between Washington, DC and North Carolina. A Greensboro native and UNC-CH graduate, he spent many years in book selling and publishing in North Carolina, Washington, DC and New York City.

Since leaving the 9-5 world 30 years ago, he has pursued artistic endeavors, including painting, book store design, map making, photography, architectural writing and model making.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Almost all my constructions start with a wine box. Other materials include cardboard, paper and coffee stir sticks.  Early constructions were inspired by vernacular architecture in the North Carolina Piedmont. They include tobacco barns, outhouses, slave quarters/kitchen and country stores. Inspirations in the Washington area include the original Adas Israel Synagogue, the Renwick Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery and the Patterson Park pagoda in Baltimore, and many commissions.