REAP: Defining Art Artistically
One question you ask every “artist”, in every genre, is how do you define Art? No matter how each artist expresses such, you will undoubtedly hear a varying degree of responses on the subject. Some artists choose to let there work answer that all important inquiry. In that regard, I understand and respect the answer of our featured artist. “Art is an invitation into a world you create and examining how the audience inhabits it.” You –the audience-are hereby invited into the world of REAP. No R.S.V.P. necessary. Mandatory coat check and all dress codes welcome. Admission: Open Mind. Enjoy!
Please tell our audience a little about yourself?
My name is Ron EA Powell. My parents gave me the initials REAP. They came from a family of farmers in Jamaica so they found it fitting to give me those initials for “You reap what you sow.” I have loved doing fine arts all of my life and I find it to be an escape from reality and a real therapeutic prescription for my mind. I currently work as a graphic artist for Tiffany & Co. and I attack my fine art when I find the time. I’m an only child and many times I feel like a blade of grass in a field of thorns: I stand alone.
What is “ART” based on your definition?
Art is an invitation into a world you create and examining how the audience inhabits it.
How do you see colors? And do you prefer colors to black and white?
I see colors as hues of translucent light that affect values, shapes and lines. Color is intriguing to me because subconsciously it can evoke a variety of emotions. I also love the interplay of black and white and how it can narrate the composition of a piece and guide the viewer through it. I don’t really have a preference between the two. I enjoy utilizing strong values of light to get a chiaroscuro effect.
What thought process goes into pre-production of a piece you intend to create?
I consider the feeling or story I want to convey, then I sketch out how I want to lead the viewer into that world I create.
Do you have a favorite piece? If so, which?
The first piece in the Temptation II series; its profound ability to intentionally drag the audience into its world and allowing them to become lost within its atmosphere.
Do you think all artists are eccentric? Are you?
I believe they have to be, they have a different pattern of thinking, problem solving, and perception of things.
If you could recreate any modern day masterpiece how would you change it?
I wouldn’t look to ‘improve’ on a masterpiece; however, I would incorporate my own fingerprint/identity into the piece.
How would you define a masterpiece?
A masterpiece is left to the viewer’s preference as a piece that they feel truly compels them; evokes emotion and gives them a world to inhabit.
What type of audience do you want to attract to your Art?
A diverse audience in a comfortable setting where we can discuss freely the interpretations of the artwork.
Finish this sentence. If I could I’d like to…
…Never surrender to the world.
What type of story do you want your Art to tell?
A story that indirectly hints at my being and a story that is left to the interpretation of the audience to expand on.
Tell us about the turnout at your recent exhibition in Union, NJ?
It was a great turnout, a very relaxed and eclectic feel to it. I was happy to share my work with my family, me being an only child, I hold my close friends as my extended family.
Any upcoming events to view your artwork, and where your work can be viewed online?
I have some events in the works. I also have my website www.REAP13.com that displays my fine arts and illustrative work with updates of upcoming shows.
Finish this sentence. I’ll know I’ve reached my finest moment with my ‘Art” when?
When I truly feel that I have given art a new meaning.
I’m glad you enjoyed yourself in REAP’s world. It is blatantly evident that REAP is destined for greatness and he would appreciate your company in that pursuit. Judging from the pieces he’s chosen for this interview, it’s clear, it’s easier to define art by letting your [art] speak. This artist is not only talented in visual arts, but also in social relations. Read, re-read and then read again the response to question No. 3 and you’ll see how that answer can philosophically, consciously and metaphorically serve as a principle for life. REAP has already given art new meaning without even a brushstroke. Amazing!