Ray Beldner

Artist Statement:

My collage works emerge from a rich tapestry of artistic heritage, woven from fragments torn from the pages of art history found in books, auction catalogs, and contemporary art magazines. Influenced by the sculptural forms of Henry Moore and Jean Arp, I am captivated by the intricate shapes and textures they embody. In my deconstructive process, I unravel their shapes, piecing together a kaleidoscope of visually discordant compositions that challenge conventional perceptions.

This artistic journey is an embodiment of Brené Brown's philosophy: "When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending." Through my work, I reclaim and reimagine the narratives of art history. By deconstructing and reassembling these fragments, I am not denying their original context but rather owning them anew, writing fresh endings to age-old artistic stories.

Unlike my previous conceptual projects, this work unfolds organically, each creation a dialogue between my intuition and the raw materials at hand. As I delve deeper into this exploration, the collages evolve from simple layered constructs to expansive assemblages and freestanding sculptures. This evolution mirrors the process of owning one's story – starting from fragmented pieces and building towards a more complex, multidimensional narrative.

About the Artist:

Ray Beldner is a mixed media artist whose work has been exhibited internationally and can be found in many private and public collections including the National Portrait Gallery and the Federal Reserve Board, Washington D.C., the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Oakland Museum of California, 21c Museum, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, among others. He was commissioned for public art projects for the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, and Richmond, California.

In addition, he has completed many private and corporate commissions for the President Hotel, NY, Candler Hotel, Atlanta, the Royal Sonestra Chicago, Saks Fifth Ave, Bain Capital, and Ryan Associates, San Francisco. 

Beldner received a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from Mills College in Oakland. He has received numerous awards and fellowships and taught sculpture and interdisciplinary studies at several Bay Area art colleges and universities. His work has been reviewed in publications including Art in America, Art on Paper, Wired, the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, the Village Voice, the International Herald Tribune and the New York Times.