RON GIUSTI

Lake Oswego, Oregon

"I am inspired by so many sources; at times it can be overwhelming. There are days when ideas, song lyrics, random thoughts are competing for attention – I’m typically out of bed by 3:30 am. The modern greats have left a significant impact on my personal style: Warhol, Kline, Basquiat, Rothko, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Takashi, Kakinuma.

My Mini paintings are inspired by Kline and Kakinuma and I love their bold simplicity, standing alone or in a grouping. The Kokeshi Doll Heads was where the Mini Collection began, and inspired the rest – Abstracts, Hearts, LOVE, and my newest pieces Wagasa (based on Chinese/Japanese umbrellas) and Hebi (which is my Japanese birth symbol). 

My larger graffiti-esque paintings are a throwback to my career as a Creative Director. Seeing items in different contexts provides depth and dimension to those elements. I’m heavily inspired and influenced by the masterful way Asian culture can make simple items so elegant and combine ancient themes in vibrant and modern works – it’s gorgeous. On most of my bigger pieces you will see Chinese takeout cartons, origami animals, chopsticks, and vintage Chinese matchbook art – they represent the culmination of thoughts I jot down, song lyrics playing in the moment, random logos I liked. You’ll find I like to repeat visual elements – this is a nod to my personal style – that there are many sides to me. If I had to sum up my art, they are snapshots from my mind over the course days/months/years/life."