Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sound and Feeling: Ronnie Beets



Ronnie Beets was born in Fortaleza, Brazil some 30 years ago, though you would never know it by his beguiling good looks. He has been drawing, painting, and otherwise making the world a more interesting place since his childhood.   

He recalls the first painting he ever really studied, Picasso's 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' and acknowledges how that particular piece has influenced so much of his work since.  “(The painting) is monumental, in the sense of its size and epic in the scale of its implications.  You can interpret this piece from such a broad spectrum of experience that anyone with even half a brain can derive from it.  That's exactly what makes it so wonderful!" 

 Beets goes on to explain his distaste for explaining his work to the viewer.  "If you cannot pull your own personal meaning from a piece of art, then it is clearly not for you.  I desire that my work, like those that I admire so much, is emotionally available to the majority of people who see them.  That's what I really want."

Name three items you would want to have if you were stranded on a desert island.
 Stranded on a desert island?  I would have Chik-fil-a sandwiches, Jack Daniels, and one of those books that tell you how to survive if stranded on a desert island.

What are you currently reading?
 At the moment, I am finishing up A Million Little Pieces.  For Middle America, a shocking account of addiction and rehabilitation.  For me, not so shocking.

Describe how your favorite day would play out?
The best day would be waking up and feeling well rested, having coffee then going for a nice walk.  I would spend the afternoon painting and playing music, dancing with myself. I would receive a call from the gallery representing me to let me know that my exhibit had sold out and several more shows and commissions have been lined up.  I would go out for a drink or five to celebrate with a small handful of proud and supportive friends.  My parents would call and tell me how proud they were then I would settle in for the evening curled up and kissing the face of someone beautiful who thinks I am amazing.  I would dream all night and wake up full of ideas for the next pieces and do it all again.

Do you have any David vs. Goliath stories from your past? Were you the good guy?
Not really...

Do you dream in color?                                                                                           
Yes! Always!

What’s your favorite movie quote?
"Don't fuck with me, fellas!"

What color if any is your aura?
Aura? Oh, bitch, please...

If there are past lives, who do you think you were?
I believe that I have always been and shall continue to be whoever I may presently be.

Coffee, tea or hot toddy?
Coffee. Black.

What major historical event would you have loved to be present for?
I would like to have been present for the building of the Great Pyramid at Giza.

Boxers, briefs, or commando?
Yes.

If you got a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor to name, what would you call it?
Try Ben & Jerry's new Menthol Whiskey Swirl!

Do you have any irrational fears?
I am terrified of flying.  Absolutely terrified.

                                                                                                                           What was your first job?
My first job was a bag boy at a Winn-Dixie, which later became Ingles Market.  Damn, I'm getting old...

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I hate disorganization, sloppiness, and clutter.  Drives me nuts.

What was your first car?
My first car was a ‘93 Pontiac Bonneville.  It was actually a nice little car.  I drove it to Key West and the transmission fell out and then...oh, never mind.

What old past time might you want to have brought back?
I would like to rekindle my interest in Philately.  It was very relaxing and I had a knack for finding the rare ones.  (Don't feel ashamed if you have to look it up, dear reader.)

What’s in your music player?
No comment...

What age do you hope to die?
76 seems about right.  Not leaving too soon and not hanging around     too long.  Yeah, 76 is good.

See more of Ronnie's artwork at http://www.artbeets.com/

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