And God created Steve
MANILA, Philippines - On the seventh hour, Steve Tirona still could not be found anywhere near Members Only, the place where he was to exhibit his work as part of the exclusive party gallery’s “Spotlight” series.
Still, you could definitely feel his presence as a beautifully tattooed man with his inked back faced the revelers, all believers in the talent, the wit and humor, and the unique photographic eye of Steve Tirona.
Steve, arriving fashionably (his own style — we all knew it) as expected, started the slide show with buddy Borgy Manotoc’s voice announcing Steve’s name, which was met with excited applause.
What came next was characteristically Steve. So you expected edgy photography with skulls and skunks? Well, he went the opposite route and opted for cute snapshots of cats and dogs — in costume. So typically Steve — not the cute animals — but the way he can surprise and delight by communicating visually.
The next set of slides showcased the real Steve Tirona, full of intimate idiosyncrasy and cutting-edge come-hither charm. When I am asked to describe Steve and his work, I am always at a loss for words. I can go on and on about how much of a joy (and pain) he is to work with, not to mention all the back-stories behind every image — but I still can’t define him. “Unique” is too small a word. “Profound” can be too much pressure. I guess Steve is Steve.
God just made him that way.
