What made me interested in making art?
I have always been creative. My career as an Instruction Technologist allowed me to be creative, innovative and I’ve always had a passion for gardening. I dabbled a little with making art, but most of my creative efforts went into creating gardens of different types. In 2002, I purchased a two-acre property to expand my gardening efforts and have built a garden courtyard to display artwork.
In 2000 I’m back in Pueblo starting my new life and purchased a business (Pueblo Powder Coater). I thought owning a business would provide the spark needed to be successful and happy. Boy, was I wrong. I quickly realized that I had put myself into a situation that was not headed in the direction as my heart. Powder-coating is a metal finishing process that protects the metal from harsh elements (like weather) for a long time. It can be used on a wide variety of metal products and it is available in over 4,500 colors. Once I saw the possibilities for metal objects, artwork and the use of color I began to create my own art pieces. I tried experiments just to see what could be created. I finished my first major piece within the first four months of purchasing the business. This fueled my desire to create more art. After a while, I wanted to create more art than operate a business. It was time to make a course adjustment. On the last day of 2004 I gave up the business to focus on the artwork.
When did I start making art?
I started making art in 2000. In 2001 somebody actually paid me to make some artwork. My first works were metal cutouts of old historical buildings. They were made out of steel plate, acrylic paints and powder-coatings. This early art is the artwork that helped me to develop the methods I still use today. It gave me a basis for moving beyond the other early works that I was exploring, such as southwest art. That experience did provide me with the opportunity for learning to work with metals, wire products, acrylic paints and powder-coatings. I have also made art out of concrete, fiberglass and clay. The last ten years have been important in developing my knowledge, techniques and skills. It has been more important to learn about my self as an artist, the direction to go with the art and developing artist skills. It is now time to start putting my art out there so people can see it.
The direction that my artwork is headed now is more in line with what I had in mind. It is always original and it will probably be different. I do not know of another artist that utilizes the metal, acrylic paint and powder-coat process that I use to create art.
What are the different types of art that I create?
This is a hard question for me. My art is created out of metal, primarily because I like working with metal and because there are many color options available. My ‘tagline’ on my website states that I create metal, mixed-media art and sculpture. I don’t want to be known as just a metal artist. I want to create in a variety of different media. When I get an idea and go through the percolation process, it is then that the decision is made as to which media to use. My art does incorporate a lot of found objects or recycled materials. Sure I can paint a landscape, but it’s probably not going to be on a canvas. Every time I start an art project the outcome will be different and maybe created out of a different kind of medium. Everything created is handmade and unique. When my artwork is handled it feels good to the touch; you can see the workmanship and quality in every piece.
I make art that can be a small or tall standalone sculpture. The art can be hung on a wall, be displayed indoors or outdoors. It can be made for a specific purpose such as home décor, a patio, garden setting, sculpture garden or getting attention for a business. An advantage available to me is color, where the art can stand out and get attention. My goal is to create art that gets attention, appeals to the emotions and is different from most of the art out there.
One aspect of my art is the safety concerns that go into every piece. Some of my art is heavy or awkward. I create special display hardware and hanging systems to ensure the safety of my artwork. I don’t want my art to fall, get damaged or injure someone.
Where will you find my artwork?
My 2,000 sq. ft. studio is located at 833 Baxter Rd.
The studio is open by appointment only.
Website: www.ronbarelaart.com
Email: www.ron@ronbarelaart.com
I am developing a Facebook account under the name Ron Barela.
