Palm Springs Stephan was at the Palm Spring Modern Show last month, and sent me an email crowing about the atomic clock and sign art of Stevo Cambronne — aka Stevotomic. I caught up with Stevotomic as he was driving home from the show, and he told me about his evolution from telephone installman… to ski bum… to creator of atomic art. Yes: Quite similar to D’Lana and James at Moon Shine Lamp & Shade, here’s another story about reinvention inspired by the gravitational pull of midcentury design. Today, Steve and his wife Beverly together craft beautiful atomic-, midcentury-, and googie-inspired wall clocks, diner clocks, welcome signs, tiki art, and more.
“I have been a fulltime artist for 27 years,” Steve told me. “This began when I was 32, and a very unhappy telephone installer. I was one of those lost puppies who knew that there was something I wanted to do… and I went to find it.” Steve moved to Denver. Those were his ski bum/instructor days. Beverly was his girlfriend there. Stevo’s “Aha moment” of inspiration to become an artist, he said, came when he was browsing the piles at a Denver bookstore and opened a book by Alexander Calder. That was it. He and Beverly started making jewelry and sculpture, and that was successful for the next 15 years.
But 12 years ago, when the pair (now married) moved from Denver into a fabulous midcentury modern house in the Wisconsin Dells, it was a “colliding of two worlds.” Steve said. It was then that pair began creating functional art for mid mod homes.
Steve explained to me that all these clocks and signs are cut from steel. He does the design and welding. Beverly does the painting. They are self trained. “These are built to last,” he says. “They are one of a kind unless someone finds one they want to reproduce. I am not a production artist. I’m blessed with the ability to create one right after the other.”
Steve marvels, by the way, at the vast array of colors now available in enamel spray paints. Twelve years ago, he said, it was white, red, blue… the basics. Now, there is a huge pastel rainbow — great for adding color to his works. Good times.
Steve is quite chatty — exuberant about his work. I like Steve and Beverly and their story and their atomic clocks and signs and how they are Living the Dream in mid mod atomic land. Very much. xoxo
Thank you, Steve, for taking the time to talk to me, and thank you both for granting permission for me to feature
See more from Stevotomic and Beverly at: Stevotomic.com
All material as published on this blog is copyright RetroRenovation 2012.
None of the materials in this story may be reproduced in any form without written permission.
Gary Frisch says
Steve and Bev rock! I miss hanging out with them in Baraboo, Wisconsin (not Wisconsin Dells, but close).
Stevo says
Miss you also..especially now that I have a new bike!
Nathan says
I just met Steveo at a huge art fair we have in Tallahassee every Spring. Very fun guy who clearly loves what he does. The photos are a very good representation of what his work looks like in person. Prices go from about $300 to $1,200 based on size and complexity. Pretty good value for a unique statement piece in my opinion.
Lauren says
I received one of his clocks as a wedding gift and I LOVE IT!! It’s on display in my kitchen 🙂
Gretchen says
I think I just found the inspiration piece for our “new” 1961 vintage trailer. I love, love, love the Atomic Lounge signs.
Eldon Daetweiler says
Had the pleasure of hangin’ out with Stevo at Mondo Lounge III a year or so back in Las Vegas. Cool talented cat. Their pieces photograph well, but really come alive in person. Bravo Steve & Beverly & thanks Pam for giving them their due props!
Stevo says
First of all…Let me say a BIG Thanks to Pam, nice write up and truly appreciated! To all my new fans..Welcome! Look forward to meeting you all down the road! Next stop on my tour is Florida..Winter Park March 17-18 and following week end in Naples! MAKE sure you check out all the art on my site!
Cheers! Stevo
Neva says
I am the proud owner of one of his clocks and am looking forward to chatting with him again in a few weeks at the Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson, TX!
(and the folks who do the amazing Pop art cloisonne jewelry too! lol)
hannah says
Very hep! (and I agree, I keep looking for a ‘like’ button here too out of habit).
julie steenburgh says
Oooh I’m so glad you did this story. I had the opportunity to meet Steve last year at the Denver Modernism show and bought one of his cocktail signs for my bar. I still smile every time I look at it! I plan on getting another one at this year’s show!
Retrosandie says
OMG!!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THESE!!!! Thank God for creativity and people like Steve and his wife!!! Thanks for discovering these, Pam!! 🙂