9:00am | Bolivian born local artist Ramón Rodriguez is in the midst of a solo show at the 2nd City Council Art Gallery + Performance Space and, starting this Friday, will be hosting a series of events there to showcase artwork created by students at the New City School, and to raise funds for their arts programs. Ramón and his wife Debbie took some time to speak with me about the exhibition, and the upcoming weekend’s NCS Art Celebration.

Debbie: The show “Sentimiento Cosmico” is Ramon’s newest work, and is a continuation of the the last two series, “Navigators” and “Two Spirits.” He continues to explore relationships and connections however, this time, in a nonfigurative way. He uses the circle to explore the human mind; the triangle, the human heart; and the square, human identity.

Ramon: Through symbols I want to magnify the microcosm of the human being and connect that to the cosmic universe. I explore the connection between all living beings, the cosmos, space, the universe and everything.

When you are at complete peace within yourself, you experience a profound sense of harmony, peace and calm. There is a deep sensation of being part of everything, in one with it. I feel this when I am painting, when I am in nature, when I work in my garden, where I cultivate plants, am in contact with the earth, am away from the sounds of the city that are so distracting.

Sander: So, in a way, your painting is a form of meditation, or spiritual practice?

Ramon: Yes, more or less, but more than that. When there are social problems, there are problems on the planet, there are misunderstandings between people, I want to create dialog between dualities. I want to create dialog between love and hate, between spiritual and material, war and peace, dark and light. The essence of all my work is based in harmonizing opposite forces that exist within all human beings that is manifested in daily life through war, selfishness, hate, etc. What we human beings have inside, we demonstrate outside. Our world is an exact reflection of what is inside of human beings.

Sander: Do your paintings reflect this awareness, or are they intended to evoke or inspire it in viewers?

Debbie: The beauty of Ramon’s paintings is the bridge that draws or invites people to begin contemplation and exploration. Some people are just starting a path of discovery within themselves, some are already on one, but it doesn’t matter. The work compels you to ask questions, listen and evolve.

Sander: What’s your relationship with the New City School?

Debbie: Our kids go to NCS and we, along with other parents, were concerned about the funding cuts to the arts. So we planned Art Fridays (about two times a month) throughout the year. We brought in professional artists, some were NCS parents, and we created a supplemental arts curriculum including painting, drawing, watercolor, sculpture, mask making, jewelry making, art history and much more. This Friday will open the NCS Art Celebration, and the students’ work will be displayed in a professional gallery beside the work of a professional artist. The kids created amazing work. They made pieces for themselves and some to sell at the gallery to help fund the arts program for next year.

Sander: I know it is difficult to single out one work, or artist, but can you give me a specific example of something exceptional that will be on display?

Debbie: All the fourth, fifth and sixth graders participated. Kevin, a quiet, shy student signed up for the Fairy making workshop. He made the most amazing fairy house, taking different and unique supplies and created a fairy, courtyard, house, animals, grass, animal runs, and more. It is like a little miniature museum piece. There are many examples of stories like that!

Sander: What, exactly, is happening this weekend?

Debbie: On Friday, June 4th from 6-9pm, the New City School “Off Broadway Art Night” will showcase the student art. There will be music, food, and even a dress up photo booth. On Saturday, June 5th from 1-5pm, “Club Creativity Family Day” will feature the student art work and there will be live entertainment, free and low cost art activities for families. Face painting, bracelet making, cave painting, sculpture and a lot more. On Sunday, June 6th from 2-5pm, we’re hosting the Closing Potluck. Bring a dish to share and music, poetry, instrument and we’ll close the show creatively.

The 2nd City Council Art Gallery + Performance Space is located at 435 Alamitos Avenue, just South of 5th Street.