RON GIUSTI

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Artist Statement:

"I am inspired by so many sources; at times it can be overwhelming. There are days when ideas, song lyrics, random thoughts are competing for attention – I’m typically out of bed by 3:30 am. The modern greats have left a significant impact on my personal style: Warhol, Kline, Basquiat, Rothko, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Takashi, Kakinuma."

-Ron Giusti

Ron's mini paintings draw inspiration from Kline and Kakinuma, reflecting an appreciation for bold simplicity that works both individually and in groupings. The series began with the Kokeshi Doll Heads, which set the foundation for the Mini Collection and inspired subsequent works—Abstracts, Hearts, LOVE, and the newest pieces, Wagasa (inspired by Chinese and Japanese umbrellas) and Hebi (a reference to the artist’s Japanese birth symbol).

The larger, graffiti-inspired paintings harken back to Ron Guisti’s career as a Creative Director. By reimagining items in different contexts, these works create depth and dimension while paying homage to the elegance and modern vibrancy found in Asian culture’s ability to transform simple objects into timeless art. In many of his large-scale works, viewers will find motifs such as Chinese takeout cartons, origami animals, chopsticks, and vintage Chinese matchbook art—symbols of fleeting thoughts, music lyrics, and everyday logos that captured Ron's attention.

A recurring use of visual elements is a defining trait of his style, representing the many facets of identity and experience. Ultimately, the works can be seen as snapshots of Ron Guisti's mind, collected over days, months, years, and a lifetime.