John Ransom

Assuming artists create with their lives as much as with their eyes and hands, often the compelling aspect of a piece of art reveals a significant moment in the life of the artist. When I look through my own body of work, I recognize elements that stem from my psychedelic youth growing up on the Jersey Shore, my hitchhiking exploits around the country that culminated in a run of unbridled years in California, and even my corporate career in advertising. Having viewed the world through an assortment of vantage points, I’ve acquired a wealth of experiences, perceptions and emotions — all of which are reflected in my art.

I avoid figurative subjects unless they play a requisite role in my concept. I find abstract work a much more direct expression of intimate emotions an sensations, as well as a more effective conduit to convey them to others. Whether it be triumph or tranquility, risk or desperation, visual context and the feelings they arouse are left to the interpretation of the viewer.

My diverse personal history makes it hard for me to settle on one style. I am pragmatic, yet my visuals tend to be wild. Traditionally trained and a surrealist at heart, I paint from concepts, visions and dreams. The translation of thought into images is at the core of my work. My technique can exhibit the precision of an engineer or the chaotic spontaneity of a maniac. In all cases, I love to create art through the intentional manipulation of paint.

EXHIBITIONS

My work has been exhibited in galleries in Los Angeles and in Scottsdale Arizona, as well as hotels, restaurants and other public venues.

Coldwell Banker Artist Showcase - Three Man Show - Electric Avenue / Venice, CA - April 2014

It Came From Venice - Group Show - Sponto Gallery / Venice Beach, CA - March 2014

Scottsdale Biennale ~ Best of Show - Group Show - Wee Gallery of Fine Arts / Scottsdale, AZ - November 2013

Cross Sections of Creativity - Group Show - Vision Gallery / Scottsdale, AZ - November 2013

Scottsdale Biennale ~ Best of Show - Group Show - Wee Gallery of Fine Arts / Scottsdale, AZ - October 2012

Venice Arts Council Presents - Two Man Show - Hama Sushi / Venice, CA - October 2012

Scottsdale Biennale ~ 1st Place in Painting Category - Group Show - Wee Gallery of Fine Arts / Scottsdale, AZ - January 2011

Another Tick on the Timeline - Three Man Show - Cadillac Hotel Gallery / Venice Beach, CA - February 2012

House Artists - Two Man Show - Wine Expo Tasting Room / Santa Monica, CA - September 2010 to September 2013

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EDUCATION

I have no degree, but I’ve had thousands of hours of training in Colleges and private lessons. I wound up pursuing a commercial arts career and have worked as a designer and illustrator for twenty five years.