Ron Simmer

www.ronsimmer.com ~ www.artsblast.com ~ ron.simmer@gmail.com

Artist Statement

I work in the area of Vancouver, BC mainly with found materials, I search for discards that speak to me with the promise of sublime creations that will amaze, tickle, surprise or give pause to think. I enjoy the mental game of taking consumer rejects and making the mundane and common into the unique and spectacular. Since we live in a world in which almost everything is commoditised it is my challenge to repurpose consumer products into the unusual, amazing and funny.

I recycle materials from our consumer culture to create fanciful commentary on modern society. I attempt to take people back to their childhood by creating large scale toys and colourful birds and animals. My art is created to be an interactive physical experience and often incorporates optical illusions. I have been influenced by the pop art movement, beginning with Miro, Rauschenberg, Warhol and Koons.

I work with groups celebrating human creativity and spirituality, contributing art to local festivals and events. On occasion I join forces in collaborative projects with technicians, designers and other artists to create large scale exhibits.

I have created public art projects for the annual Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition and the ReVision@Creekhouse Granville Island show in Vancouver. I participate in local British Columbia. Oregon, Washington and California State exhibitions such as the Lake Oswego Festival, El Paseo, Place des Arts, ReVision, Art in the Garden, San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, the NorthWest Flower and Garden Show, Peace Arch Park Sculpture Exhibition, the Harmony Arts Festival, and RE Store sponsored events and exhibitions in Bellingham and Seattle.