Olivia Steele

Welcome to the Jaw-Dropping View.

10 questions. 10 answers.

Contemporary light artist and sculptor Olivia Steele has earned an international reputation for her provoking, neon text-based installations. She tells us about the catharsis of her work burning in the agave fields of Oaxaca, the invisible hand of synchronicity and time-travelling to the ancient Library of Alexandria before it burned down in flames.

What does the word jaw-dropping mean to you?

For me, jaw-dropping is akin to unexpected intrusions of beauty, fascination, and moments of wow. When something cracks your reality open for a moment and drops you into awe. It’s when beauty, truth, or mystery hits so hard it bypasses logic. It stops time. It reminds you you're alive.

What was the last jaw-dropping thing you saw/heard/experienced?

Definitely watching my fire art AMOR burn in the agave fields of Oaxaca, Mexico for the Annual Oaxaca Experience beneath the full moon. It was a sacred fire performance and offering – love, grief, and transmutation all in one burning word with 9ft tall letters. The ferocity of the fire was so profound and so cathartic. It burned so even and so beautifully. That moment was pure alchemy.

What gives you goose bumps?

The invisible hand of synchronicity. A line of poetry that knows me better than I know myself. A voice that trembles with truth. Seeing someone remember who they are!

Who is your hero?

I have a few: James Turrell, Jenny Holzer, Banksy, Rumi, Alan Watts, Friedrich Nietzsche.

Any words of advice (either told or read) that changed your life?

Here are four mantras that I live by and constantly remind myself:

"Trust the Process.”

“Joy is your compass."

“Contrast is the greatest teacher."

“It's only 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it and what you make out of it.”

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

I see the reflection of a colourful warrior in the mirror made of neon, fire, softness, and steel. Someone who’s lived many lives and still believes in magic. A woman becoming.

What part-time jobs did you have growing up?

Back in the day when I lived outside of Nashville, Tennessee, I got a job at Macaroni Grill as a hostess. Actually, that was the only part-time job I ever had.

Who was the last person you received flowers from, or sent to, and why?

I have the most adorable fiancé ever who always makes sure there are fresh flowers in the vase in our kitchen.

On the contrary, I recently sent wildflowers to a dear friend grieving a great loss. Sometimes there are no right words – just beauty, presence, and a gesture that says, I'm with you.

What would be the title of your memoir?

‘Some Are Lost in the Flames, Some Are Built from It.’

That pretty much sums up my life story.

You’re given a time machine, where do you go and why?

I’d go to the ancient Library of Alexandria before it burned, just to witness the wisdom of the world before it was erased. Then I’d steal a few scrolls and come back to the future to remix them with neon and fire!