An interview with Ron Anderson about his most recent work

“Visual Meditations” – 2023

 Q: What can you tell us about this work?

My artistic journey has led me through various approaches
to sculpture and painting. Around ten years ago I discovered
a route into abstract painting that intrigued me. Over the
years I’ve refined and developed it to a point where I’m very
satisfied with it and ready to unveil it. I now view this body
of work as a confluence and culmination of all the art that
preceded it.

Q: What is it that attracted you towards abstract painting?

It is absolute freedom to leave the representational world
behind and let your creative and aesthetic mind fly free.
Also, as I’ve moved through life, my interest in what lies
beyond the physical plane of existence has become
stronger. Abstract art is an extraordinary means of
expressing the inexpressible, transcending the limitations of
language and traditional representation.

Q: Can you tell us more about that?

I seek to capture that intangible essence that lies beyond the
visible realm. In a world often defined by concrete realities,
abstract art offers an escape—a way to explore and discover
the beauty that extends beyond the confines of our rational
minds.

Q: Can you say anything about your process?

Multiple techniques and processes are used as the painting
evolves. This is palimpsest art, where the artwork undergoes a
series of changes, with layers upon layers, until the painting is
completed. Through an interplay of vibrant color, I like to
create a dynamic energy of flow with extreme randomness
of lines, shapes, textures, contrasts, and surprises, which
nevertheless ends up as a cohesive composition when
viewed as a whole.

Q: The paintings appear to be complex and time consuming.

I’ll work on a painting, put it aside, come back to it over and
over until I feel it’s finished. I really don’t care how long it
takes.

Q: How do you know when a painting is complete?

This work has nothing to do with analytical thought. It has
more to do with no thought, where I’m following an
aesthetic sense of direction until I feel the painting is
complete. I want the finished painting to be an intriguing
and engaging visual narrative that invites an emotional
response and personal interpretations.

Q: Why do you call your work “Visual Meditations?”

The act of painting in the way I’ve described is a meditative
process. I like to envision each painting as a visual meditation.