Pen’s Eye: Interview with Harlem Based Artist Ronald Draper
Dear Pennies & Pens,
I have been surrounded by art and artists since I can remember. My parents are avid art collectors and have an eclectic mix of art they’ve purchased over the years in their house. Every time I go home, I get to revisit the art, I grew up around. It’s pretty cool and refreshing. I’m saying all this to say, I believe I have developed an eye for spotting a talented artist. Hence the title of this post and a new section of de la Pen…All Pen Everything.
Ronald Draper (Photo Courtesy of Ronald Draper)
Without further adieu, I bring you Harlem based Artist, Mr. Ronald Draper. I first encountered Ron’s work via Instagram. I was impressed by his work because it’s simple yet complex. That may seem like an oxymoron but it’s not. See, the work looks simple but if you take a closer look, you’ll see how many layers it has.
There are pieces that feature icons like Marilyn Monroe, The Notorious B.I.G., and Malcom X with quotes from each person. I had the opportunity to interview Ron earlier this week to get insight about how he creates his work and why he decided to become an artist. It was a pleasure speaking to him and I learned plenty. Check out the interview with Harlem based Artist Ronald Draper below:
Where are you from?
Harlem, NY
What inspires you?
The need to inspire other people. My work is made to inspire. I believe that if I can inspire one person then I know I need to create more.
Art work by Ronald Draper (Photo Courtesy of Ronald Draper)
What made you decide to become an artist?
I have been creating art since I was a child, like 5 or 6. I’ve been a full time artist for a year now. Prior to pursuing art full time, I was working at a law firm on Wall Street. I started creating pieces as a side hustle to make extra money. However after awhile, I could no longer do both so I decided to pursue art full time. I decided to go after my dreams because I have no children and I hate the “what if” feeling. If I do something, I want to give it 100%. I believe that your side hustle isn’t what you want it to be because you can’t give it your all.
How do you create your work?
I’ve never sketched anything and I don’t really plan anything on paper. Sometimes, I will sketch to show my ideas to a potential client but usually I just create. Most of my work is on glass and wood with glass such as Plywood which I buy from Home Depot. I also gets broken glass from mirrors that people have thrown away.
Art work by Ronald Draper (Photo Courtesy of Ronald Draper)
Who is your favorite artist?
Keith Haring. Not necessarily because of his work but because of what he did with his work. I am a huge fan of his work but what I love is that he had a platform and he used it to create change and inspire people.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Harlem, NY. This is my home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Art work by Ronald Draper (Photo Courtesy of Ronald Draper)
