An Artist Talk will be First Friday December 6, at 6pm. Ron’s enigmatic themes beg for explanations. It will be a treat to hear him describe the inspirations and process.
Working in wood, stone, metal and other natural materials, Ron creates beautifully executed, multi textured works of art that almost defy explanation. His highly conceptual work, combined with meticulous craftsmanship, commands attention. The viewer gradually sees beyond the surface beauty into the unexpected mystery of each piece. In Ron’s words, “My work celebrates the journey of the creative process, born from conceptual images, inspired by my imagination, and realized using the tactile, organic attraction natural materials. Throughout this process there is a continuing dialogue that takes place between the materials and the design, as well as a commitment to enduring craftsmanship. The process involves creating a fluid vocabulary, through a language of materials. The finished work offers the viewer my visual message, constructed from layers of tactile materials and subtle details.”
He often uses a variety of materials: metal, stone, fossils, found objects, light or digital imagery – but wood and metal are often the primary materials. Deciding what palette of woods to use, the grain direction and figure, subtle changes in natural coloration, decisions on relief relationships, overlays or inlays, contrasts in texture, color, or material, subtle or dramatic detailing… are just some of the decisions that take place throughout his creative process. These materials are merged seamlessly into a finely crafted final piece of work. It is through these sensitive relationships, conversations, and skillful executions that each piece is born. The closer you look at Ron’s wall sculptures, the more you will hear that “language of materials.”
Ron began creating these multi-material sculptures in the mid 70’s and quickly caught the attention of the art world. Numerous shows, exhibitions and commissions followed. He has been awarded grants to produce art in public places, and had his work published in several art magazines. After living in Texas and then Maine, Ron and his family moved to St. Augustine in 2004. His work has been shown in The Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach, the St. Augustine Art Association, and can be viewed every day at Butterfield Garage Gallery.
