Making his pieces in a space behind Borelli Gallery in Pittsburgh where he also works during the day, Canton native Ron Copeland is producing some of the most interesting and inspired art we’ve seen. Its punk, collage, vintage, pin-up, post industrial, found & repurposed. It is also right at home next to some of the great Pop artists from the 60s.
“The inspiration for my work comes from growing up in the heart of post industrial America,” he says.
Always a bit of an explorer, Ron has ventured in to buildings and spaces that most people would avoid on a sunny day. First as a kid in Perry, then looking for skate spots as a professional inline skater, and now to document what it means to live in an America that has lost its heart & soul to the decline of the factory experience. He takes pictures and finds materials to use in those forgotten places that are like sets in a SAW movie.
Though his status in the art community is growing, Ron says his stint as a pro inline skater was a great achievement. Avoiding the typical pitfalls of adolescence he instead got to travel the country doing demos, skating, and making friends (somewhere out there is the footage of him spinning off the EJ Thomas Roof). He was also behind the camera for the Screaming Lady on YouTube.
“We were in canton south…at a right aid parking lot and that lady flew up outta nowhere in her car. I feel bad that she got so upset by the whole thing (&) I pretty much tried to calm her down. She was too much.”
As far as daily challenges, Ron states that the biggest challenge is being poor and still productive. Finding the time and energy to balance work, play, and creative impulse. They Don’t call it starving artist for nothin!
If you would like to check out his art there is a show in Cleveland at Arts Collinwood called “Pretty Vacant”. It starts Febuary 1st. There is also a solo Chicago show scheduled for May, as well as others. Stay posted on Facebook for dates.
Arts Collinwood is at:
15605 Waterloo Rd
Cleveland, OH 44110
(216)692-9500