Where Have I Been?

    Green-lit, symbolic of advancement

As I sit down to write this blog post, I feel a sense of excitement mixed with nostalgia. It's been four long years since I last stepped foot in an art gallery or showcased my work to the world. The pandemic hit hard, and I had to isolate myself from the social paradigms that were rapidly rotting and degenerating. The political misguidance and weaponization from people also contributed to my decision to step back from the limelight.

During my hiatus, I embarked on a spiritual journey, exploring the depths of my soul and the world around me. It was a challenging and often daunting experience, but I persevered, and in doing so, I unlocked a new level of creativity within myself.

I met with key people and forces that unveiled so much more about the world, the way people are, and the way the outer realms function in accordance with practicality on Earth. I realized that my art should reflect not just my personal style but also the beauty and the harshness of the world around me.

As I evolved, I also combined all of my traditional art styles into one master style. It was a thrilling and transformative process, and I cannot wait to share the new beauty, ideas, and styles that I've learned and mastered with the world.

My art now represents a fusion of different techniques and styles, each one unique and essential to the overall piece. I no longer feel constrained by any one particular style, and I'm free to express myself in new and exciting ways.

The hiatus was not just a break from the art gallery scene. It was a break from my old self, my old ways of thinking, and my old artistic style. I emerged from this journey with a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer vision of the world, and a more profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.

The pandemic may have forced me to take a break, but it also gave me the opportunity to evolve, grow, and create something new. I'm excited to showcase my new art style to the world and continue exploring the depths of my creativity. Life is a circle, and I'm ready to embrace the next phase of my journey with open arms.

Ramon loves green, it rep's rebellion and speed

I can feel the excitement coursing through my veins. The creativity that has been bubbling within me for the past four years is now ready to burst forth into the world. My time in isolation was not wasted; it was a time of growth, discovery, and experimentation. I have combined all of my traditional art styles into one master style, a style that is uniquely mine, and I cannot wait to share it with the world.

My work has always been about pushing boundaries, breaking down barriers, and challenging the status quo. And now, with this new style, I feel like I am ready to take things to a whole new level. The beauty, ideas, and styles that I have learned and mastered are unlike anything I have ever seen before, and I am confident that they will leave a lasting impression on anyone who experiences them.

My journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. And now, as I prepare to re-enter the art gallery scene, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. I'm intrigued to see where this will take me, and I look forward wait to share it with all of you. (ai)

The Future of Galleries

Artist Ramon Trif uses his room's wall to paint on.

Galleries Have Always Been Standard

 
Since the dawn of humanity, dating back to cave paintings being discovered, it is clear that a space is typically assumed to exhibit one's artwork. After all, it goes hand in hand with logic: I have this object I need to show off, so I'm going to need somewhere to put it. Cavemen did this by painting directly onto stone walls. The Renaissance, known for history's greatest masters all used cathedrals, castles and museums to immortalize its masterpieces.

What Could Cause an End to Traditional Galleries?

 
You would never think that any factor could cause a decline or all out elimination of such a simple commodity. How could displaying artwork among walls and within gallery spaces be done for? I'll admit that I never envisioned even in my darkest prophecies that something would come along and bring the reliance of galleries to a halt. This indeed arrived in the form of a globally-scaled health pandemic. It's not my style to discuss serious outside topics that may come off gloomy, but I'm making an exception with this one. The reason I feel is so important as it pertains reserving the future of art and its display. The pandemic hit us full force and sent us into a three-month lock down back in March of 2020. Now, it's July and the world has permanently changed. By permanent, it means forever. What we knew as standard, is simply not returning. That's a reality I'm choosing to accept now rather than later. I'm the type to look to adapt, not perish; to push forward and create a new solution if one isn't present. It's how one evolves. When there's a great challenge or pressure being applied and challenging your way of Life, you respond with "fright or flight". Meaning, you either perish your pursuits or you iron yourself into a stronger version that handles the new environment.
So, the million dollar question is, where do we go form here as Artists? What now?

Pressure Forms Diamonds

 
The adage of pressure forming diamonds is a saying that rings true more than you may believe. Not everyone can attribute to being good under pressure, but to those that persevere comes a great new strength. Artists make fine pioneers in my opinion when they're focused, as they excel at coming up with ideas and solutions for issues. It has to deal with the way our eyes and mind are trained. In a way even our spirit is trained to see beyond what is in front of us, so that we may find resolution in chaos. For an Artist to lose their way of Life, their livelihood, their very happiness is something that will not be left undone. Art is one of the most stimulating and healing elements we as humans enjoy about Life. It is one of the most ultimate forms of self-expression, one in which has the power to take your being to a higher level of Love and understanding. For this absolute reason, I know in my heart we will reinvent Art altogether if that's what it takes.

What is the Future of Art?

 
Time to put my Nostradamus hat on! It is in my personal prediction and professional observation that the "normality" of things will not return in regards to public events. Even if permissions legally returned for full capacity gatherings, I don't see in any way "full capacity" being what it used to be. I'd bet "full capacity" will be reduced by 50% at least of the usual load, for safety of health. Whether the pandemic is 100% authentic, or if it's exaggerated in any way, it's not going to make a difference in stopping the change that's coming. As a Curator since 2011 I was personally in denial about everything taking place, but I've come to accept the inconvenience and use it as a means to transform the Gallery Scene. What exactly do I have in store? I can't say just yet as I don't want to spoil the surprise. however I believe it will provide Artists that same feeling of pride, joy and accomplishment once they partake. Please stay connected with my Blog and you will be sure to see the announcements in due time! until then fellow Artists, hang in there! You can still paint and show it off online, on live streams, live paint at a park or outside your home. Meetups are still possible so long as you keep them intimate and take the proper precautions. It's all about adapting! I believe the Art World will grow for the better after all this is said and done. I have full faith in us.

Submitting to Galleries vs. Self-Representation

Painting Finished... Now, What ?!
Being a painter, you most likely have the desire to show off your work for someone to see. Where does one begin in the process of showcasing your art and what are the benefits and setbacks you may face?

The Way of Tradition
The most common form of artistic representation is through a gallery. The basic set up is that you display your catalog of paintings and invite guests to view, discuss and potentially purchase your masterpieces. There are two ways of going about exhibiting in an art gallery. Firstly, there is the submission procedure in which an artist contacts a local gallery’s curator. This individual runs the gallery operations and coordinates the art direction of the show. Most of the time they are also funding the entire enterprise, so it is important to understand that they run all the shots as they are providing you with their private space and the necessary platform to exhibit. Certain curators depending on their perception of art will be very selective. Your art most likely will need to fit a certain vision or criteria in which they subjectively decide. That, is the basic trade off. If the curator provides the gallery, the artist must adapt and meet a technical standard in order to display. A fee may be involved as well.

Breaking Away from Tradition through Innovation
What if I don’t agree or wish to adapt to the standards of a curator when it comes to my art work? You, then have the option of becoming the curator! Yes, that’s right. No one can stop you from organizing and putting together your very own gallery on your terms. Personally, that’s way more rewarding and beneficial than to premiere under someone else’s name, or to have to share the spot light (unless that’s your thing). Understand however, that you will have to work a lot harder and have a new found level of patience to truly execute this from beginning to end. You cannot half-ass an art gallery. I speak from experience. It can and will ruin your reputation if it’s lame. In order to avoid that, I always suggest humbling yourself first. Be open to information, new knowledge but also be weary of too many opinions and “advice” from others. You will encounter naysayers who will question your ability of tackling on an art gallery. It’s just current human nature that subconsciously one is intimidated by the reminder that you are making moves and they are not. Once you overcome that, you will need a space with an owner that will allow you to run the gallery the way you need it to be run. In other words, rent a space that is strictly that - an open space! Most owners aren’t concerned with the type of event you host, so long as you don’t damage property and the space is cleared by a certain hour. Though costlier than submitting to an art gallery, it not only buys you the creative freedom to bypass a curator’s mold, it allows you to make your money back plus a profit if you tailor your show properly.

Do What's Best for You
Either way you choose to represent yourself is entirely up to you, obviously. Both ways have its benefits and drawbacks, so in the end much like art, the matter is subjective. It all depends on how you wish to work as an artist and perceive your career model. Regardless of anything, I would say the key to success is to be consistent and keep active. You’re sure to fail if you don’t try at all. You’re sure to sleep well at night at least knowing you gave it your all.

Written Originally July 21, 2017