eLuminate Your Life

Steven Iseman an artist based out of Toronto, Ontario. Due to health reasons, he left a career as a lawyer and stepped into the field of art. Steven is pioneering a new computer-aided art medium that he calls “eLuminations.” He designs three dimensional images by creating sculptures in layers using material printers. You can watch one of his sculptures, “Sun Flooded Bridge” come to life on his YouTube channel.

“If photography is captured light, an eLumination is what happens when the light is reanimated.” 

The light of an eLumination causes colours to blend, shadows to form, and tones to intensify and fill a room with a distinct glow.

Steven was not a born artist. Instead, art found Steven through technology, and that interest blossomed into passion. He has explored many disciplines such as law, science, computers and fatherhood. “Each experience shapes my perspective in ways that can be contrasting, unifying and unique.” He looks for odd angles, discordant images, and contrasting media to bring spirit to his designs. 

Steven had no experience or intuition in web design or mechanics when he signed up for the ShopHERE Powered by Google program. He signed up to see if he could turn a corner in his art career. With a unique art form that needs to be seen live to be appreciated, Steven feels his new eCommerce website gets him back in business despite COVID-19 restrictions. 

Recently, Steven has attempted to emulate the gallery experience on his website by making his product descriptions reminiscent of a gallery plaque. A name like “Hidden Majesty” is enhanced with a product description expressing the hidden majesty in our extraordinary acts of grace in circumstances of tragedy, strife, hopelessness, need, revenge, or vulnerability. His latest product descriptions reach beyond material and size and dive into what’s truly going on in the artist’s mind, allowing for the description to become a part of the artwork itself.

Before creating a website, Steven would participate in occasional shows and then pack everything away. With a new online presence, he is always open for business. Steven notes that if he hadn’t taken the leap and signed up for the program, he would have stopped a year ago.

His eCommerce Coordinator, Colin, was responsive, proactive, and helpful. 

“Inept as I was at the outset, I received only encouragement and support. If ever there was a time that he didn’t know how to do something, he would research it and get back to me quickly.”

Steven signed up for ShopHERE looking for a way to display his artwork, but got more. While he has not had a high volume of sales, Steven has found that his store has brought him value through experiences and opportunities that have arisen, which he attributes to his website. He had a surprise the day he launched! He wanted to participate in an online show, and since he had a Shopify account, his content was automatically made available through the show’s site. In 30 minutes, he was fully set up.

This isn’t the only surprise Steven has had since opening his eCommerce site. Having an online presence has allowed Steven to get discovered by an art gallery in Paris. He is excited to be travelling to Paris for a solo show at La Pompe Arte Gallery in February 2022. 

“I am no longer hiding under a rock. The ball is back in my hands, and I intend to make the most of this opportunity.” 

Steven’s advice is to follow all the rules, wear a mask, stay safe, and try doing business online! As the world hopefully rights itself, Steven feels as though he will be much further down the road in his art career than he would have if he didn’t have a website. 

To see Steven’s art on his online store, check out stevenisemanart.ca.

If you’re looking to get your own eCommerce website up and running, you can check out Digital Main Street’s ShopHERE Powered by Google program here.