Call Me Stevesie began as a tribute to one of my favorite films, The
Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, but evolved into something more
personal. I wanted to create a portrait that felt instantly
recognizable while reimagining Steve through a simple visual idea: a
world without color except for the tomato beanie and the tomato he
holds.
Tomato Art Fest
August 6-9, 2026
Nashville,TN
Painting almost entirely in grayscale allowed the smallest touches of
red to become the emotional center of the composition. The result is a
portrait that balances humor, nostalgia, and quiet reflection. It is a
celebration of a character whose imperfections are ultimately what
make him memorable.
Brantley Jack 