High Artist Spotlight: Ron Braun
Ron Braun is a visual artist and creator combining digital painting, 2D, and 3D elements to tell his imaginative stories. His works span multiple styles and themes from moody surrealist pieces to horror, fantasy, and everywhere in between, all with a healthy mix of humor. He loves creating at his computer, although he knows it's really bad for his posture. When he's not slouching, Ron can often be found (or not found) hiding from his cat, Trixie, who he recently discovered is the living reincarnation of Attila the Hun's third wife, Beverly, who may or may not have been involved in Attila's untimely death. That's so Trixie. She's like the Tiger King of calicos. As you may have now realized, Ron's much better at making art than he is at writing bios. Thank you, and please do enjoy his work!
We recently caught up with Ron after High Art 2022 to learn more about his most recent inspirations:
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
Music. Music is my muse.
Why do you do what you do?
Because it's the only thing that makes me happy. I languish if I don't create.
Because it's the only thing that makes me happy. I languish if I don't create.
What art/artist do you most identify with?
Gary Larson
What themes do you pursue the most?
Transformation. Finding the unexpected.
What role does an artist have in society?
The role of an artist is to make the audience discover something that makes them go "Oh!" It doesn't really matter what the 'Oh!' is. It could be tragic or comic. It could be an 'Oh!' from just a pretty picture, or it could be an 'Oh!' that gets you to never drop another plastic bottle in the ocean. An 'Oh!' puts you in someone else's shoes. That's a very powerful moment. An artist can influence the world.
What is your artistic outlook on life?
I'm not good with people. But I like turning them into other things.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't change a thing. It's been a fantastic damn ride.
Do you listen to music while you are creating? If yes, tell us your favorite song and artist.
Dude. Seriously? For Pot Head, it was everything from Cypress Hill and Wu Tang to Bowie and Minaj. I read Gordon Lightfoot's mind. I was Iggy Pop's passenger. I rode the lightning with Metallica. I took bad medicine with Bon Jovi, but didn't cry with the Cure. I was ready to die with Biggie, but I stayed alive with the Bee Gees. I was wronged and got my vengeance with Taylor Swift. I danced with Nina Simone. I flew through the cosmos with John Williams. I sang with three little birds on my doorstep. A melody pure and true.
What's the best thing about being an artist?
Having something I've created hanging on the walls of complete strangers around the world. That's kind of cool.
What is your dream project?
A coffee table book once I have enough quality images.