To Feel is To Be an Artist

As I have been updating my Artist Blog/ Site on here, I've come back around to express what I'm going through in my mind and my heart through my Artist Journal. I like to write, I enjoy the relief from releasing backed up emotions, thoughts, misunderstandings and revelations. It's like taking a giant overhaul of an ethereal dump. I find when I would read other people venting and sharing their most inner raw feelings, that I would relate and feel a lot better about myself. I accepted myself and my circumstances with an openness and eventually with a zero thought mentality. Meaning, no more attention was paid to it. It just was, now. 

I would look back at what I wrote and published publicly. I have no regrets as they are what they were. A moment in time. I'm not a mechanical heap of a robot that does things without depth, meaning or reason. An Artist's ability to feel immensely is a gift for many. Though it may be a curse at times for creators to go through such intensity, if we could alchemize them properly into what our soul needs, we may yet find salvation. At times, I do wish I could stop feeling and thinking and be nothing. Ya know? But, I can't for now. I can only navigate forward and focus on a peaceful stillness. So, for those who may feel shame, regret or an unease for feeling so much and expressing it, I say two things- don't beat yourself up for being intelligent and being able to discern. The other is, maybe don't take things too far. A healthy balance is in order for each, in their own.

Though there is always more to write about as life goes on, let's switch gears and have some fun! Bring on the AI Art Generations!

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)

Dragonball Z: A New Commission, A New Journey

" Dragon, Dragon! Rock the Dragon! Dragon Ball Z! "

  

I'm elated to display the 2nd Edition of a prior Commission named, "Arrival" which depicts the infamous fight between Raditz and Goku in the iconic series, Dragon Ball Z. This Commissioned Painting was requested by Kim Harrell, someone who met me in 2019 when I was selling my Art Work outside the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art). She had purchased one of my snowy landscapes and had messaged me one morning on Facebook (my old-*ss hadn't checked my messages for a while), but low and behold- a great reminder that people do remember me and my work, had arrived.

It really uplifted me entirely as I had been in a huge slump the past year and a half with the global pandemic lock down. It had shut me down as an Artist and I was gearing up to press the restart button. Her message and request for some new paintings was just the fuel I needed to get going once again. (For Kimberly Harrell)- Supreme Thank You to you for revitalizing this old king off his dusty art throne!

I'm a diverse Artist, so I paint many genres, ranging from Landscapes, to Pop Art, to Portraits, etc. She bought one of my Surreal pieces, alongside the DBZ request. Here is the process of how I painted it

 

 

 

 

Finished Painting (organic, as is)

 

 

 

Finished Painting (no edges, just imagery)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Original Commission of "Arrival" for Diego Q.

 

 

 

 

The other Painting Kimberly had purchased, "Once" from the "Tower of Babel" Monumental Series

 

Landscape Painting for Nomad Cafe

Happy Tidings

This is a special landscape painting I had gifted the lovely Nomad Cafe, of Ridgewood! I go there almost daily to get my favorite drink to start my morning- a large, iced coffee, with two added espresso shots, oat milk and coffee ice cubes. Oh yeahhh, give me that caffeine, babay! 

They have always been so kind to me and my mother who visits, that I decided to give something back. I surprised them with one of my ol' landscapes and they absolutely loved it! They explained to me how they visit Upstate to get away from the city to enjoy nature and its tranquil calm. This painting gave them a window to that whenever they may feel gloomy or such. They mounted it on the cafe walls, as I was pleasantly surprised to see it there! No matter how old I become, or how skilled I may be, nothing beats a good old-fashioned smile from those who you've just warmed their hearts.

Oh, and good grief! You must try their food and pastries! They are certainly some of the best I have ever had throughout Ridgewood! I like the name "Nomad" too. Kind of like me, a wanderer...

May you enjoy this for years and years to come, guys! Thank You. ~Ramon

Dragonball Commission

 

Rock the Dragon!

The inner child in me always smiles widely when I receive a paid commission to create something from my nostalgic past! Whether it be Dragonball, Pokemon, Super Mario, you name it!

 

Well, I happen to have one particular client named Diego whom has been a happy patron throughout these past few years. It started with Pokemon! Then, once he found out I can paint anything, he would ask me for Dragonball-inspired pieces. How could I refuse? These were all so fun to make, and knowing that this is my profession makes it all the more sweet! It truly humbles me and I appreciate that people still love the simpler things in life, like cartoons from our upbringing!

 

Diego and the rest of the world, please by all means, 

Keep the requests comin' ! I'm more than happy to fulfill all of your custom dreams upon canvas!

 

 

 

Inner Conflict Resolved

For the longest time growing up, I had this thought that in order to be "taken seriously" as an Artist, that painting cartoons and such would not be the way. Boy, what a bald-headed lie! It is without a doubt true (thankfully) that it only matters you love what you do. That Love, will add a certain "magic" to whatever your creation may be. It gives you more inspiration to keep going and makes the next masterpiece even better, now that it's fueled! I suppose I certainly have (or had) the remnant "advice" in me from long ago that I should "stick to one flavor" of Art. I never understood why, if you're good at it all and can present yourself properly. Sometimes when you deal with limited people, you get a limited result or observation. It's best not to listen to these types of people, as they will hinder what you in fact, can do!

 

 

 

 

If I had all Seven Dragonballs

Within the story of Dragonball, it is said that those who collect all seven Dragonballs scattered throughout the world will be granted one wish from the Eternal Dragon, Shenron! I had the same wish long ago, and it remains the same today: To be with my loves ones throughout all of Time and Existence. In some form or another, but always together. There is nothing at the core, more precious to me than the ones I love and that love me. They are my ultimate treasure.

What Would You Wish For?

 

 

 

 

 

This Painting is one of my Dreams Come True

You know, in a way this painting is another ounce of a dream come true, added to the ocean of fulfillment. Every drawing I ever drew, every painting I ever struggled with, every moment I ever looked forward to or doubted, it has been to lead me to the next level... and the next level... and the next level, until one day I arrive at a certain level. I strongly feel that time is approaching the more effort I put in. That excites me but oddly scares me in some way. Maybe it could be, I don't want to get to the end..?

The Making of this Painting (see video) -> Also, Follow Ramon Trif on Instagram: @ramontrif

Am I Rainbow? Yes I Am

The many faces of Mister Rainbow (left to right: Prime Mode, Zero Mode, Never Mode)

Who is the elusive Mister Rainbow?

 

Somewhere between the fragments of memory and the rivers of reality, does Mister Rainbow lie. Mister Rainbow is the moniker given to Artist Ramon Trif, as he is driven by his passion for colour, variety and the freedom that infinity gifts. We are always changing, yet always the same. In this, does the spirit of Mister Rainbow live in all of us. We are all 'Rainbow' in some fashion; the representation of an unstoppable phoenix which burns the embers of eternity inside each of us. Every moment do we die and rise again, to live. We are the immortal, singing the song of forgetfulness. Each, in our own flavor. Our own colour. We fashion duality, as does Light and Dark dance the Waltz of Possibility. Choice arises from the ashes of forgetting. Mister Rainbow, is the intertwined denomination of The All. You and I, he and she, they and we- All One. Mister Rainbow uses the powers of Dark & Light, Colour and Transparency to weave his masterful collections. There is a story to tell in each of his works, if you look deeply enough- within you. Within the mirror.

Am I Rainbow? 

Yes I Am

The Theatrics of Art, Wrestling and Life

 

Art Mimics Life

 

Wrestling is another one of my most joyed past times. Yes, I know it's rehearsed, staged, and not genuine in its emotion. It's an act. A superbly executed one. Why wrestling fans roll their eyes at you when you mention the obvious, is the fact that it's no different than a scripted movie presented as authentic at the cinema. It's all fantasy and it's all known to be that. Suspension of disbelief is what comes with a well-told story, is all. What gets me to realize the simplicity of many a mind is that there are much more important things occurring in reality that are presented as real, that are nothing more than a deception. Politics is notorious for this. We all laugh and know better than "to trust a politician", but wisdom be damned, you still feign interest like a stringed puppet dancing to their tune. That's the punchline in this all. We're duped on a daily basis and we yell for honesty, demanding it at all costs. What a crock. We are a species of illusion and denial. Art, is no different. The Artist merely smears paint upon thread so deceivingly well that it invokes a reaction out of you. It may bring you to tears or put a wide smile on that face. But, in the end it's nothing more than an acrylic concoction guided by my mind's hand. It's purposeful. It plays upon the initial Trust that each human in some form must give in order to move forward.

The Art of Role-Playing at its Finest

 

Vincent Kennedy McMahon, Chairman & C.E.O. of the once WWF, now WWE is the kingpin of wrestling or "sports entertainment" as he coins it. Many fans gawk at that term, but that's exactly what it ultimately is, it's a show. Yes, supreme athleticism and real-life danger is involved on the level of a stuntman, but it's still a produced and scripted show. I feel that it's a much grander achievement, to merge the physical capabilities of an actor combined with the focused emotion of a story line, than it is to simply "shoot wrestle". That's kind of boring after a while, if no drama is involved. At a deep level, isn't that how life itself becomes more entertaining? Do you not need a villain and hero to play the roles of "good guy" and "bad guy" in order to enjoy the story? It's the same with WWE's "heels" and "baby faces". These are terms given to wrestlers within a certain scheme of the plot. What you're essentially watching is a mirror of life imitating itself. There are heels and baby faces all throughout the world, and you're one of them! To go even further, at times you swap roles. You go from heel to baby face and vice-versa. Constantly. Some people flop to serve their needs. Others act out their role for "deeper" reasons. Whatever the case, the fact remains that we're acting at some level. So, what are you really? That's for you and only you to figure out and to remember. Until then, just enjoy the show!

 

Tower of Babel

Who I Am

 

1st Row represents Friendship & Relationships in General. The acrylic swirlings are circular in stroke, as life is a circle. It comes round each time, regardless of circumstance.

 

2nd Row is dedicated to the elements of love and romance. The happiness and the regret one's heart feels along the way. The paint flows up and down, as we "fall" in love.

 

3rd Row reserves the memories of losing someone precious to you. It is of honouring death, its mirror of life and the reasoning we give it. The strokes are from left to right, mimicking the unfolding of a story. 

4th and final row is what I personally cherish. That being fun past times, animals, nature and myself. If you don't love yourself, then you're a sucker for life's illusion. The energy of the colours burst from its center, like a soul.

 

"Tower of Babel" by Ramon Trif

Art is Everywhere, Even in the World of Pokemon!

Gotta Paint 'em All!

Primarily, I'm an Artist. That doesn't mean that I don't thoroughly enjoy other things in life, such as one of my favorite past times- video games! One of my most cherished franchises is that of Pokemon. No introduction is needed to what Pokemon is, and for those who don't 'get it', go give it a shot yourself. Or don't, not my business. What I am here out of my (Artist) duty, is to share what elates me each time I stumble upon it. That is, finding Art in the world of Pokemon (or any video game for that matter). It's like an inception of sorts, art within a masterpiece. Gotta love it. Pokemon to me, is another word for variety, choice of colour, the beauty of difference and of being unique, even when you may feel outcast. You're not, and that's what Pokemon has taught me. There is a home for everyone, to belong and to feel welcomed. 

The Historic Town of Stow-On-Side

"A vibrant town that has grown up around an ancient mural tucked away in the mountains." That's the description the town sign reads upon entrance. Gets you excited to explore, as Art should! What's intriguing about this in-game mural (aside from its beautiful charm and style), is the secret it bears. For those that have played the game (spoiler alert!), it serves as the gate for the Land's ancient defenders, Zacian and Zamazanta. They were two knights who represented the sword and the shield, the tools used to defend their kingdom. Their names are also a play on the colors "cyan" and "magenta". Their colors do match, in accordance. Simply put, it's a breathtaking tale in which inspired me enough to write a blog post about it.

Another Nod to Artists in Pokemon: Smeargle

" Devote yourself entirely, so even that which will fade and disappear is ingrained forever upon your heart and mind! That is the only fate for any human. "

- Siebold

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.

My Furniture Art

Who says Painting is strictly for Canvases? Be a daredevil and paint your furniture!

" Buddha's Last Laugh ", acrylic on 2-shelf dresser drawer

" A New Dawn ", acrylic on wooden table w/ glass cover

" Chakra Duo ", acrylic on wooden coasters