Ronald Artman

"Asian art and philosophies have influenced my highly altered forms. The process begins with days spent constructing the large sculptural structures using traditional hand building, wheel, and slab techniques that will ultimately display the deep matte reds, oranges, and yellows that have become a distinctly Artman trademark."

Ronald Artman's sculptures present many unanswered questions and challenge the viewer to find literal interpretations, through their own experiences, within his abstract designs. The function is often very clear, though not understood. His sculptures bridge the primitive and the futuristic to create art that spans many cultures in a generous collective spirit.

The vessels are bisque fired to a low temperature, allowing the clay body an open, porous structure. The colors are purposefully mottled to give the sculptures a weathered, well-worn appearance. Artman's vessels depict power, containing life and purpose. Forceful and intense, the immediate impact is a sensibility of strength from all points of view--an achievement of quiet grace.

In 1988 Ron Artman sold his graphics and screenprinting business in Washington, DC, and moved to Australia. He spent the next three years studying art at the Tafe School in Alice Springs and ceramics under various Australian masters. While there, Artman showed his work in regional and national invitational and juried exhibitions.