One of the many perks of our Artist Residency program is the ability for our Resident Artists to work with two Resource Artists during their 2-year residency.
The role of Resource Artists is to share their expertise and offer professional guidance to current Artist Residents. Resource Artists generally have more professional experience, and are further established in their career.
This year, we’re proud to host painter Ron Hicks and interdisciplinary artist Ana María Hernando as our current Resource Artists. Last fall, we visited Ana María in her studio to learn about her upcoming projects and more. You can watch the full video and read the blog here >
This month, we met with Ron Hicks in his studio and asked him a few questions about his current projects, what being a Resource Artist at RedLine means to him, and why he encourages artists to apply to the RedLine Artist Residency.
Watch the video and read the full transcription below!
In the Studio with Resource Artist Ron Hicks
What are you working on right now?
My current body at Red Line is one that I think will be something that is really personally me. When I talk to Louise here at Red Line, I expressed this desire to create a body of work that was on a larger scale, larger than what I had been working at in my own studio. So many of the works you'll see here are in that eight by eight foot, eight by 12 foot range. And this body of work for me was one that I wanted to create to get to my truth.
And what I mean by that is, I think my path right now is constantly moving in that direction. But I would like to have this body of work be one that is not dictated by a deadline, not dictated by nothing more than purely my response to the work because that's the direction that my work has been taken anyway.
So really this idea of call and response, I apply and then respond, and get to my truth and leave whatever that I choose to express it in my dialogue on the canvas. And feel okay about doing that.
My work, although it may not readily be apparent is really centered around humanity. I've asked myself this question about when did humans stop being humans? And for that fact, have we ever truly been humans as a collective group?
As you see things that are happening around the world, our current state across not only our nation, but even abroad. It actually fuels this desire for me to reconcile what that means to me. I think that I should respond to that in my work in some form of fashion.
What does it mean to you to be a Resource Artists for the Resident Artists at RedLine?
Now being a resource artist [for Artist Residents] here at RedLine is quite an honor. I have taught classes and mentored many students along the way. So I'm familiar, but yet not familiar, especially in this new space that I find myself in.
I think as a resource artist, my role should be one that has somewhat of a hands off hands on approach. And by that, I mean, I'm able to mentor or respond to questions, things of that nature if they should be.
But I don't think my role is to dictate how, what, when, where you do things. I think that person should be able to grow naturally, so to speak.
So [I’m] very excited about this, and I would encourage anyone to apply, to become a resident at Red Line.
Why do you think artists should apply for an artist residency at RedLine?
There's a couple of reasons that come to mind off the top of my head. And that is I found, because I've done a couple of residencies in the past.
And I found that there's this community that you have with some of the other residents. And you're able to bounce thoughts, ideas, things of that nature off of one another. And I think it becomes an invaluable experience.
And secondly, I've looked at some of the things that RedLine are doing to support their residents, by bringing some people in, having dialogue, having a multitude of ways to support each individual and their path and their growth while they're here at the residency.
So I’d recommend this whether you're at the beginning of your career, middle of your career, and even if you're pushing it towards the end of your career. I think it's an excellent place to grow.
What advice would you give to artists looking to apply for an Artist Residency at RedLine?
My advice to anyone who decides to become a resident, in particular here at RedLine is to be your authentic, true self. I think that it speaks volumes that when you are your true self and you are not living someone else's vision, so to speak. People see that and they are drawn to that.
Which artists currently have your attention?
There are several artists here that are doing some amazing things in this residency. I've been here for several months and I've been able to watch from afar, some of the works and things that are coming out this space.
I will say there's one here, of course, because I've had an extensive conversation with this person, but it's Rochelle Johnson she's having this dialogue that really intrigues me. And she has this blue series of painting, which is talking about identity and body image and things of that nature. So I'm very excited to see where she takes this body of work.
Apply to be a Resident Artist at RedLine!
As RedLine's foundational program, our prolific Artist Residency remains at the core of all we do as an organization. We offer 2-year residencies for 15-18 emerging, contemporary artists in Colorado.
The RedLine Artist Residency allows artists to work in proximity to their peers and within a community of mutual support that fosters networking and collaboration.
As an Artist Resident, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with communities in Northeast Denver through our Art Education programs that engage students at local public schools. You’ll also have the ability to work with artists who may be in recovery, unhoused, or experiencing severe financial hardship through our Reach program.
The call will for applications for the Artist-in-Residency program will re-open on April 20th, 2022. Learn more about how to apply to the Artist Residency program today >
