Monday, January 17, 2022

Isom Symbolic Art prints


Prints of art work posted on this blog are available for purchase. Please email if you are interested.


The prints offered for sale are printed on a HP Envy 5420 in house on 8-1/2” X 11” paper.  For all practical purposes the prints are artist proof’s and printed in limited numbers. The prints are not archival prints but printed on good quality bond or photographic paper.  The prints are signed/dated and make my work available to a wider audience and serve as an introduction to my work. 


What is important to note is that the artist proof prints are of the same quality, type, media etc as the regular edition (unless of course the artist declares otherwise). The only difference between them is the restricted quantity of prints bearing the A/P designation. Traditionally, the artist was very involved in the printmaking process. As the first “proofs” were either pulled or printed, the artist would work out the color and quality issues as they came out of the press.


Note: Signed and numbered digital prints on archival paper are available at my gallery.  They are generally printed in editions of ten.



Definition:

Modern printing methods such as laser and ink-jet printing are known as digital printing. In digital printing, an image is sent directly to the printer using digital files such as PDFs and those from graphics software such as Illustrator and InDesign. This eliminates the need for a printing plate, which is used in offset printing, which can save money and time.


Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand.


Instead of having to print large, pre-determined runs, requests can be made for as little as one print. While traditional printing techniques result in slightly better quality prints, digital methods are being worked on at a fast rate to improve quality and lower costs.


"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Earth poem



The Isom Asemic Code Cipher is a cryptogram code system. This form of cipher embodies geometric and organic shapes. Because it use basic shapes it is an economical and effective method of transmitting confidential information. These devices were often employed by the ancients or by the Medieval philosophers and alchemists. The mystics of the Middle Ages used a system of cryptography which concealed the secrets of the human soul. The Isom Asemic Code Cipher can only be decoded by individuals versed in the deep philosophic principles upon which many mystics based their theories of life. Much information relating to the invisible nature of man is hidden under what seems to be mere scribbles and unrecognizable organic shapes. Every student of symbolism and philosophy should be acquainted with the underlying principles of cryptography. This art furnishes a fascinating method of developing an acute mental awareness. Discrimination and observation are indispensable to the person seeking knowledge, and no study is equal to cryptography as a means of invigorating these powers



"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Atemporality

Today’s Hand Mind Internet Vocabulary:  Atemporality 


“The concept of internet-induced "atemporality" was coined by science fiction writer William Gibson, author of the cyber/adventure novel Neuromancer. Gibson reasoned that the internet made time disappear in a way, since all periods of history (or art history) are immediately available to anyone cruising the web.”


http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2014/12/art_review_forever_now--contemporary_painting_in_an_atemporal_world_at_the_museum_of_modern_art.html




"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Doodling and sketching everyday




For most of my life I did not think of myself as creative at all. Then, many years ago, I started doodling and sketching everyday. I filled countless sketchbooks with scribbles and notes. Each day in class I worked alongside my students making art and after school I worked with students constructing sets for plays.  I made art with my children and grandchildren. I made art that covered the walls in our homes. I collected junk and filled the garage and studios with art.  My motivation was simply filling my life with art.  I found myself in a role where I needed to be creative each day, developing new ideas for class projects and home projects. Creativity is important for many reasons. It is a path and process for not getting stuck in old habits and ineffective ways of seeing yourself and the world. Creativity can help with problem solving, with creating healthier relationships, and with having a healthier and happier life.


What I learned is that creativity isn’t something that you have or don’t have. It is something that you can nurture and develop.




"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

First snow at the Benedictine






                               "Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Todays project







                          "Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Friday, January 14, 2022


“I am drawn to powerful, mysterious places... The 'creative haunting' of these locations has been imprinted on my spirit.” 

J.R Baldini


I think, to some degree, science and rational thought has robbed the arts of mystery, their most powerful asset.  The arts were once avenues of truth and insight.  Our modern ideas of reality have changed this goal and now relegates the arts to amusements, and meaningless aesthetic games.

"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Artist statement


                                          Digital drawing. I Pad pro/Procreate




My art work is personal iconography. The imagery has been developing for over sixty years. The vocabulary of icons enables me to generate hundreds of images without conscious effort. The ideas flow on the paper much like automatic writing. I generate the images in sets of 10 to 20 and have produced several series of 100 or more. The most distinctive element of my art work and teaching has always been manipulation of materials. During my youth, at the height of the Depression, any castaway item became a toy or art material. The underlying concept of my teaching years was creative problem solving utilizing manipulation of material at hand. I seldom had to worry about budgets for materials. Whatever was available was fodder for my students imagination canned and the images are manipulated with image software. An essential aspect of my work is the connection of my work to the world. The internet has allowed me the opportunity to find very esoteric connections.


Today, I have access to many “modern” materials. The computer has become an essential part of my “post teaching” art. It is difficult to maintain my simplistic philosophy. However, the manipulation concept is still prevalent. Photographing and scanning of my original drawings, searching the web for connections and the manipulation of the images using simple editing software provides many hours of creative problem solving.


On occasion I do get nostalgic for the days when a tin can or scrap of paper was all I needed to satisfy my creative energy.


Vita brevis, ars longa



"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

Benefits of teaching

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for my students who have given me a heart full of joy.  Let's face it fellow teachers, students make life a lot more fun and interesting. 



One of the benefits of a long life and a teaching career is the joy of seeing students grow up and take their place in society.  I was particularly fortunate to teach high school.   Seeing a young naive freshman grow into a confident senior is very rewarding.  If you live long enough, it does not stop with high school.  I am now in my twenty-first year of retirement and have seen many students graduate from college or trade schools and begin raising a family.  Many did not choose an art career and are successful in a variety of endeavors.  The social website Facebook has made it possible to interact with former students and marvel at their achievements.  Some will soon be of retirement age and many have grandchildren.  


I am truly blessed to see not only this great drama unfold before my eyes but seeing my own family’s development is a daily  reminder of the joy of living and learning.


"Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

New sketchbook 2022.










                                "Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.

View from my apartment at the Benedictine.




                                 "Things hidden in my head" Copyright 2013 © Ronald D. Isom, Sr.