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The Bakersfield Californian Thursday, May 26, 2011
Editor Jennifer Self | Phone 395-7434 | e-mail jself@bakersfield.com
ALEX HORVATH / THE CALIFORNIAN
“Sheep Ride” by Eye Gallery 2011 artist Ron Pete Alvarado, who writes of the work: “I am retracing my steps and allowing people to see who I am by seeing where I came from. And in re-examining the way I grew up, maybe I will find out more about myself.”
Past makes artist’s present Ron Pete Alvarado draws on memory to express himself BY JENNIFER SELF Californian lifestyles editor jself@bakersfield.com
A
s an artist, Ron Pete Alvarado has an edge. His subject matter is a little subversive, he has a bold sense of composition and color, and there’s plenty of dark humor in his work.
“I am the biggest critic of my work. People tend to be too nice. The best critiques are the harshest because then you may actually learn something and progress from it.” — Ron Pete Alvarado
But that edge is replaced by indifference when it comes to marketing his art. “My work is kind of low-brow,” said the Bakersfield native during a recent phone conversation. “It isn’t typically grouped with tradi-
tional paintings you would find in a museum.” Until now. Alvarado, who goes by Ron Pete professionally, is one of 10 artists selected for inclusion in Eye Gallery 2011, The Californian’s
annual series whose aim is to give local artists some much-deserved exposure. As part of the series, Alvarado will get the opportunity to share his unique vision at the city’s most distinguished gallery, the Bakersfield Museum of Art. And perhaps in deference to the BMoA’s dignified surroundings (or the delicate sensibilities of newspaper readers), Alvarado did say he toned down the subject matter a bit for his project. The artist chose as inspiration a charming memory of growing up on the ranch of his grandparents, who
lived next door. The result is called What does “Sheep “doodling on Ride.” steroids” look “Over like? Andy the backAnderson will yard fence, explain. there were several acres of land where my grandfather raised and sold cows and sheep,” said Alvarado via email. “Growing up, my siblings and I helped with the animals and also
Eye Gallery next Thursday
Please see PAGE 33