I believe my work most accurately fits in the category of contemporary realism or contemporary figurative art. My concern is with presenting a convincing representation of form in context as well as establishing meaningful content. The pitfall associated with realism is primarily the seduction of skillful rendering that allows one to ‘recreate’ reality. It is easy to be enamored by this and become forgetful of content.
Although I sometimes use photographic references, I primarily work from direct life observation. The reason I am currently using this working method is two fold: first, in my experience, there is a place where the process and craft of rendering the image merges with content and the two become inseparable. This contemplative experience occurs when working from direct observation over long periods of time. The second is due to my interest in visual phenomena and visual effects that can be both observed in nature as ‘things’ really appear, and the effect of manipulation that can be achieved to create a sense of visual reality.
My main interest lies in naturalistic images of people and things in some invented context that could range from a symbolic allegorical setting to a simple still-life arrangement. My previous experience in architecture helps inform the design and compositional structure of my work. My interest in psychology, religious symbolism and metaphor also inform the content of my work. The following commentaries hit close to the mark of what I try to convey in my work:
"..His [Ron Cheek] luminous oil paintings are bold modern interpretations of classical themes depicting real people in a frank and straightforward way." Elizabeth Cave, Curator *
"Ron Cheek is grounded in the fundamentals of form that are beyond reproach. He is a student and scientist of the body. His paintings are a precise worship of classical appreciation." Elaine Taylor, Gallery Manager**
I appreciate the sentiments in the above statements, but I would add that I do not intentionally reinvent past constructs or iconic symbols associated with a classical aesthetic. On the other hand, I do not feel a burden to work in new media for the sake of making an artificial claim to something ‘new’. Even in the midst of technological advantages, I believe every generation experiences recurring themes and retells the same stories through its art. Thus, the overriding issue I feel most concerned with is offering a fresh perspective of our time through my own voice.
Ron A. Cheek, November 2005
* Cave, Elizabeth: LeQuire Gallery New Figurative Artists Show. LeQuire Gallery Newsletter, (Nashville, TN), Volume 2, Number 3. Fall 2005
** Taylor, Elaine: Figuring In... Texas Art - Exhibitions Page (http://www.fwcac.com/pub_exhibitions.php/id/10). Fort Worth Community Arts Center, (Fort Worth, TX), Fall 2005
