With a gaze of uncertainty about the next half hour of his life, Ron Hicks allowed the seat at Corrider 44 to gradually mold around his body in an effort to settle into a comfortable position. Like a film director trying to fit his surroundings artistically into the “L” and the “7″ of his fingers, he prepares for what would be a brief reflection of his life and his true passion, painting. Just a few moments into our conversation I was reminded why I asked for the interview.

As a young boy growing up in Columbus, Ohio and later Denver, Colorado, Ron was influenced by his mother’s passion for art. Whether it was the books and magazines lying around the house or the occasional art contest entry his mother would prepare, Hicks quickly fell in love with creative expression. His talent didn’t go unnoticed by bullies in high school either as he recalls, with a mocking gesture, a particular Dumbo like caricature of a well deserving classmate.

His interest grew stronger as he matured and continued to shine bright through one of the darker times in his life. At the age of 16 Ron, then living in Denver, moved back to Ohio after a traumatic split between his mother and father. Strapped financially, Ron and his mother had to rely on the support system of their family, namely an uncle who was the pastor at a local church. Ron recalls living in the attic of the church for a year while the family struggled to survive. Once supplementing his mother’s income with his wages as a Manager at McDonald’s, Hicks reflects, “I have an appreciation for my experiences. I’m thankful for where I’m at”, he continue by saying, “I believe in God, he has blessed my path.”

Giving up the school basketball team and focusing on supporting his family and bettering himself, Ron won a scholarship to attend Columbus College of Art and Design… Now the story could continue in this traditional fashion followed by Hicks’ accomplishments and life’s works but that would take away from his true accomplishments.

Years after leaving Ohio and returning to Denver, a place that he personally preferred to live, Ron attended the Colorado Institute of Art. After graduating he took a job as a freelance illustrator and found himself in a universally familiar rut called practicality. Each profession has its unique challenges, but in the end, Ron says, “I came to the realization that I could work for 30yrs, have a 401(k) but would I be fulfilled?”

While many have the inclination to follow their passion, those that actually succumb to their own will are far and few in between. Unlike most people in his position Ron said, “I had to follow my passion regardless of whether I made money or not. I worked all night just so that I could afford to paint in the morning. That itself was fulfilling.” Leaning forward in his seat he rhetorically asked, “how would I feel if I didn’t follow my passion in 50 yrs?” He said, “Now I have satisfaction.”

Currently a full time painter with high demand for his individual pieces and shows, Ron lives in Denver with his wife Sharon. Our paths met a month earlier as our wives, while at a conference in California, introduced us like kids in a sandbox. Our discussion about passion being a journey led to the following candid question and answer session:

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MT: How do you feel about art critics?

RH: They are men and women with their opinion. A lot of art buyers just see their purchase as an investment. My galleries enjoy the art and they really love the paintings. Art should be collected because you enjoy the work … a critic may have different taste, you should use your heart.

MT: If a well-trained elephant made a painting, is it art?

RH: I think it’s gimmicky. I don’t know if an elephant has the connection that we [humans] have but it depends on the person viewing it. If the person has an attachment or connection then it’s art. From the elephant’s view it’s not”

MT: How do you feel about the TV shows that fool art critics with pieces done by 2nd graders?

RH: A student may express what she saw but didn’t experience. An artist has to learn the craft, learn the materials and then take that understanding and internalize it. Some people can’t get beyond the second step. True artists interpret from within and if they can’t maybe they aren’t meant to be an artist. An artist can truly express an idea.

MT: We’ve now entered the digital age – is art still important in our culture?

RH: I don’t think we’re really in tune with how important it really is. Art transcends every level - social, economic, and cultural. It’s universal.

MT: What are your thoughts on the presence of African Americans in your industry?

RH: A lot of African American’s don’t understand the value of art. African Americans probably make up ½ of a 1% of collector’s I have ever sold to – and that may be high. People draw conclusions and try to categorize me when they hear I am Black. I’m not a Black artist. I am an artist that happens to be Black.

MT: What’s cooking in the studio right now?

RH: Getting ready for a show in New York City in May 2008. The paintings will be based on my travels – (including Italy and France)

MT: How would you describe your style as a painter?

RH: I am Representational, an Impressionist. I’m a Romanticist. I love people and I see the beauty in everything – every idea that I’m trying to convey.

MT: What is your favorite piece?

RH: “French Kiss” - On a trip to France I captured a couple ‘in the moment’…above and beyond that situation, it’s a love with shapes and values.

MT: Your art in one word.

RH: SENSITIVE

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In the era of ipods, digital cameras and the internet, this Denver man holds firm in his belief that art is more important than ever to our society. Ron Hicks has become one of America’s top emerging artists by finding strength in traditional values even in the face of adversity. As an African American man, Hicks has refused to be categorized and unlike many, he gladly shares his sensitivity for the experiences life has to offer.

Ron Hicks works with three main galleries:

Arcadia Gallery
51 Greene Street (Between Broone & Grand Streets)
New York, New York 10013
212.965.1387
www.arcadiafinearts.com

Jenkins Johnson Gallery
464 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.677.0770
www.jenkinsjohnsongallery.com

Vail International Gallery
100 East Meadow Drive, #17
Vail, CO 81657
970.476.2525
www.vailgallery.com