Ron Schafer

BIO

Ron Schafer's works seem deceptively humble at first glance. Discarded objects held together with common household items like push pins, clothes hangers, or simple wire; vibrant primary colors and aluminum foil contrasting with earth-toned Masonite board, wood, and paper; words and pictures mixed with the detritus of human existence - his abstractions breathe new life into that which would otherwise be dismissed.

Schafer's chimeric works use these commonplace materials as a painter does a palette, while scissors and pliers serve as his brushes. He works at a rapid pace, making new discoveries as he moves from piece to piece. He gathers, stores, and connects, creating value out of excess. Collecting leads to ethereal combinations, sometimes building from a vertical surface toward the viewer, sometimes lacking both back and front, and sometimes incorporating the use of candles or flashlights to give the work a day/dusk character.

Ron Schafer grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He lives and works in Los Angeles with his wife and son.

ARTIST STATEMENT

When asked about his process Ron says, "it's all about getting an idea realized as quickly as possible. If my materials are precious, I become tentative, restricted, ...

University of Louisiana Lafayette
Bachelor of Architecture 1982

“Christmas Trees in LA” (group show) – Wilkinson Gallery, Los Angeles, California (1995)

“Emerging Art in LA” (group show) – Newspace Gallery, Los Angeles, California (1996)

“Southern California Artists” (group show) – Irvine Fine Arts Gallery, Irvine, California (1999)