Istvan (Steve) Diossy (born 1975 Chicago, IL) is a self-taught artist, based in Vero Beach, Florida who at the age of 16 won first place and presidential recognition for a sculpture depicting Michelangelo’s The Florentine Pietà. Throughout the years, Steve continued to progress as an artist, developing a unique style enhanced by his fine art background and an extensive knowledge of caricature and graphic design.
Steve’s most notable work to date is the “Protect Wild Dolphins” Florida license plate. The success of this plate has raised millions of dollars for marine conservation.
Steve’s piece “Raw Bar”, depicting a marlin, a mahi-mahi, a grouper and a blue crab enjoying drinks on the dock, was a launching pad that led Steve to start his own brand. The inspiration for “Raw Bar” was a weekend with three friends in the Florida Keys which was spent “in the water and at the bar”. Steve built on this, creating more art full of detail, recurring characters and plenty of humor. Another fan favorite, “Tito’s Cheers” was created in collaboration with Tito’s, and features some fun, marine characters enjoying vodka-based drinks.
Of his art, Steve says: “It’s always more about us than the fish. I feel we are all fish out of water. As anyone who grew up in Florida knows, we all love being in and around the water. That’s definitely where I’m happiest!”
Through his artwork, Steve reflects a great love of his community and natural surroundings. By frequently escaping to the beaches, he fuels his inspiration and endless desire to create vividly humorous and color-driven works of art.
Steve’s art, as well as apparel and other fun products, can be found at his official gallery in Vero Beach, and other authorized retailers in South Florida, as well as at www.stevediossy.com