Recipient of several awards for achievement Don continued to teach art and at the age of twelve Steve was his student at Eagan Jr. High school in Salt Lake City. At this time Steve had begun to develop as an artist with the praise and leadership of his father. In high school Steve had begun to win awards for drawing and painting. After moving to San Francisco from Davenport Iowa in 1982 at the age of 17 Steve enrolled into the Academy of Art. Being only 17, the youngest student at the Academy, a panel of jurors studied his portfolio and agreed that Steve was indeed serious about his work. Steve majored in Fine Arts and Illustration.
In 1988 Steve worked as an apprentice under the master artist Ken Rains sculpting crystal prisms for a business titled Muse Gazing Crystals. Along with brother artist Gary Sanchez both Steve and Gary continued to grow in their abilities as Ken traveled internationally to sell his work.
In 1990 Steve won Honorable Mention for his painting 630 29th St. Steve also submitted a crystal piece with an engraved torso that fascinated a reporter for the Rocklin Tribune who was there to cover the show. Steve was asked for an interview and invited the reporter to Ken's shop. Steve appeared on the front page of the Rocklin Tribune one week later.
In 1991 Ken Rains passed away after making a contract with a German crystal producer who had a crystal factory in Bangkok Thailand that produced crystal figurines sold in gift shops worldwide. Steve went in Ken's place to Bangkok and instructed a crew of twelve members on how to make seven of Ken's designed signature pieces. Supplied with an interpreter Steve managed to accomplish the task within ten weeks as agreed.
In 1994 Steve had begun dabbling in computer art as the trend in graphic arts had become the industry standard. Starting with Corel painter 6 Steve studied various art programs and techniques.
Steve continued to paint and sculpt at the side of his father until 1996 when his father passed away. Difficult to move forward Steve had begun to make several major life changes including going back to school. For a period of six years Steve would not paint a single painting.
Employed at the University of Phoenix in California's Bay Area in 1999 Steve started a Bachelor's of Science in Business Management program in 2001. During his tenure at the University Steve had created several graphic pieces for both his departments and freelance and was the creative consultant on many projects. After graduating in 2005 Steve retired from the University in 2006 and is now currently employed by International Gaming Technology in Reno Nevada contributing his creativity with a team of the most creative artists he has ever known. Steve works in graphic art with Corel Painter, Bryce, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects.
Steve has also started sculpting crystal again combining rare stone with crystal making one of a kind sculptures. He is now in the only glass Gallery in Nevada City as his work stands with major international glass art as the only local glass artist. He has sold one piece so far as this new endeavor is still in its infancy.
Steve Sanchez is the father of Cassiopeia and Nickolas Sanchez. At the age of 17 Nick had his first art show in Brentwood California. Following in his father's footsteps Nick continues to grow as an artist and shows great promise. Nick is also Sculpting crystal with his father.
Cassiopiea has just graduated high school and is now seeking employment.