Chris Ronk – Art and Cake

Chris Ronk
Los Angeles, CA
Age 60

What keeps you excited in the studio?
My work continues to grow with each new painting. Every new piece is an exploration. I love the process of painting, and I love finding new ways of using materials. I am constantly seeking to bring my work to a higher plateau, whatever that might be. It’s very elusive but I know it’s out there. I know I’ll find it someday.

Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
On some levels by work has become more complex, although I need to keep reminding myself that for my work; less is more. The complexity is very subtle though. Most people would not notice it. I’ve had some significant technical breakthroughs which impacted all of my subsequent work. Then again, these breakthroughs are subtle and are all part of bringing my work to that intangible and elusive higher plateau. Perhaps one day I will be working and realize that I have reached that goal. Perhaps I never will.

What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
Art has always been a mirror of our society, for better or worse. Even though art has seen massive changes over the centuries; that role has never changed. Even the most passive art plays a part in this. Also, art enriches our lives. Art is in everything. Art elevates us as a species.

What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
Find your unique voice as quickly as you can, and then refine that voice. You as an artist are a business, and your work is the product. The art world is competitive; your work has to be good and it has to be unique. You need to work hard on many fronts to succeed.

Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
Age matters in many ways. First, there is the public persona: people love youth. Secondly, our brains are more elastic in our youth. We learn faster, and we take on new things much easier which in-turn feeds our creativity. Third, it takes time and energy to grow as an artist. Starting an art career later in life puts us in a disadvantage.

One of the positives is that through our maturity, are perspective as an artist and as a human being is more refined.

What can we look forward to from you next?
Thats a good question. Oddly, I am surprised at the art that comes out of me. In my mind, I am actively seeking for that intangible “something” that will push my work forward. In the meantime I paint…, and I paint. I constantly refine my skills and try new techniques.

Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
Being an artist is something that I’ve wanted to be since I was a child. Being on this journey is challenging, but is a dream come true. Going into this, I didn’t realize that being an artist meant being alone with myself so much of the time. It also means having a very public persona at the same time. It’s a strange dichotomy.

I’ve been painting for about 5 years now. I am still surprised at my work. It seems somewhat foreign to me, but at the same time it is the very embodiment of who I am as a person. I think that is the surprising thing; how much of me is present in my work. It has definitely helped me get in touch with myself and grow as a person.

http://ronk.art
@chrisronkart