Ronald Riley

Artist statement:

My painting reflects my keen interest in the exploration and depiction of the many facets of texture, shape (form), color, line, and design. I find inspiration all about me whether it be in the weathered and aged surface of a discarded piece of lumber or in the beautiful patina of an old and rusting piece of tin or copper whose beauty only increases with the passage of time. Nature too offers a plethora of possibilities whether it be in the many beautiful and intricate patterns found in the fur and skin of animals and insects, or on the shell of a turtle, a piece of coral and too many others to name. Not surprisingly, I take from these sources those things that I feel will best suit my needs in any given piece so that it is not unusual to see in a finished piece a coming together of sorts from many places.

Non-representational is the term which would probably best describe my work as there are very few images that on the surface at least that would result in the viewer definitely recognizing them lost among so many others. Many in the art world feel the need to title a work as a way of sorts of assisting the viewer to form their interpretation of what a particular piece of art represents or perhaps symbolizes while on the other hand, my works although titled, I would prefer to let the observer name them as they see and interpret them.

Art is a very personal thing both for the creator as well as for those who have the opportunity to see and to take it all in. Perhaps the underlying and most important aspect of my work is that each person can bring to it what he or she wants and enjoy and take it all in on their own terms. I suppose in artistic terminology the most applicable phrase to best define my artistic endeavors is truly an undertaking in : Art for Art’s Sake.

See more works at: www.riley.myexpose.com or contact the artist via e-mail.