Check Out Ron Isaacson’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ron Isaacson.

Hi Ron, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as an Artreprenure has been a wonderous adventure, based in the Chicago area for 50 plus years, I was an artist/sculptor, owner of one of the top Ten Contemporary American Craft Galleries, a business consultant with a focus on Arts & Economics Development issues and member/chair of numerous arts/cultural related local and national boards and commissions. All that and more happened before my world took a turn in 2010, and I was compelled to set foot on the greatest journey of all.

Insecure and unsure of my life going forward, facing the realities of the end of a 30+ year marital relationship, the price of my sanity involved leaving behind financial stability and all I held dear. Cashing in my 401K, I purchased a vintage 1983 Airstream Motorcoach with a small trailer cobbled together from the frame of an old 50’s small “Canned Ham” camper to hold a motorcycle and an odd selection of tools and memories.

Filled with foreboding, I hit the road exploring the eastern US to rediscover what brought me joy. Thousands of miles over highways and back roads were littered with tears and cries of despair as I sought to explore the depths of my being. Who was I? What strengths could I muster to survive the next chapter of my life? And when I reemerged, how would I present myself to the world?

There are numerous stories to tell of that period in my life, some might enchant the reader or bring a smile. Some are bittersweet, some you would find boring. But we’ll skip all that and move to a point late in 2011 when I found myself in the foothills above Denver, sitting on the cliffside of a small lake in the town of Evergreen.

My countless hours behind the wheel had provided the perfect opportunity to relearn and refine my skills at playing my harmonicas. And I had begun to use them as instruments for reflection. Such was my mindset as I sat caressing melodies from my harp to greet the sun as it broke through a brief monsoon rainstorm. I soaked in my surroundings and pondered my existence.

I was searching for a home surrounded by nature where I could play music, create art, and interact with like-minded souls. I had just spent 2 weeks exploring the surrounding mountains, meeting locals while performing at a local open mic, and selling a few of my artful creations. My thoughts went to the next stage along my journey. I could continue West searching for a place much like this or possibly stay a while longer and build a new life here.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When on the road to healing my heart, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my strengths, examining my skills, and what set me apart from others. I came to recognize that it was my early interests in architecture and the study of the fundamentals that guide sustainable construction that fostered my interest in business/community development.

The same skillsets that stirred my passion for bringing together seemingly incompatible objects to create a piece of sculpture, had stimulated my interest in exploring the workings of organizational structures and strategies. I also came to recognize and honor a few other attributes. It seems I have an innate musical ability to sense, develop, and compose harmonies.

Reviewing my past, I recognized that I thrive in environments where harmony exists, not just in music but in nature, and in places where people come together and nurture each other.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an Ecosculptor. I recycle items that others see little value in and choose to discard. I’m on a constant search for components large and small. It’s a scavenger hunt for jigsaw puzzle pieces, potentially precious components that when joined together can bring something amazing to life. For decades those efforts have enabled me to produce monumental metal sculptures, things I’ve welded, forged, and manipulated into award-winning creations.

But when I took to the road, my piles of puzzle pieces, large and small, welding equipment and cherished tools were left behind. But in the corner of my garage/studio loft was an old box of leather scraps and tools that had served me well, and I thought, would do so again. I had learned to honor and work leather from my Grandfather who had been a Furrier, creating wonderous leather and fur coats during the roaring twenties for patrons in New York and Chicago.

I, in turn, had a thriving leather business in the late sixties. I plied my craft during the Summer of Love on the streets of Berkley making/selling leather headbands, beaded pouches, and elaborate leather fringed vests. Three years of selling my work through “Head Shops” in Old Town Chicago helped pay my way through college. But that’s another tale to be told.

On the road, I started working with leather again, designing and crafting journals adorned with landscapes to sell to boutiques, and at street fairs. Making a new life in Evergreen, I lived in the small basement of a century-old house surrounded by walls made of stone. My “Cave” had a large stone fireplace, and room enough for a bed, chair, and a workbench. It was cozy but there was space to sit and weave some tunes with another musician and craft creations to sell at local festivals,

Twelve years ago, my world shifted, a mystic mountain woman, a healer, came into my life. My soul mate and I connected on levels I had never experienced before. She invited me to share her life on the mountain in her tree house deep in the forest. It is there we dwell and celebrate star-filled skies and the rising sun. My studio is nested in the lower level of the treehouse, overlooking the valley and the mountains beyond.

Then 8 years ago, the direction of creations shifted, and a larger vision took hold. Instead of making individual sculptures and functional items, I set forth bringing to life a world inhabited by flocks of Amazar Avians and Forever Gardens. I gather and deconstruct vintage leather goods, and used, and abused leather furnishings.

These are then rendered into clusters of small feathers that adorn armatures fabricated from found objects and fashioned into extraordinary Avians that, legend has it, have come through a portal in time and space, to call attention to issues involving the sustainability of our planet, ways to address the byproducts of a consumer-driven society.

Dozens of exotic Amazar Avian species now roam the planet offering tales of their adventures and serving to stimulate new ways of thinking. They often dwell among forever gardens comprised of healing crystals, earth elements, blossoms, and forests also fashioned from segments of salvaged leather and found objects.

My Amazar Avians have received national and international applause. You can explore them on my website www.amazaravians.world Each is a character in a larger construct that will comprise hundreds of unique Avians flying and nesting in interactive tactile installations, as well as a series of Amazar Tales.

Despite the hours spent constructing these creations, I strive to keep them affordable. They are offered for adoption in various Denver area art exhibitions, galleries, and in my Evergreen Mountain studio. You can experience flocks of them at the Lakewood Art Gallery in the 40 West Arts Hub and the Birdsong Gallery in Arvada.

For some, there comes a moment in time when one recognizes that there is a creative spirit dwelling inside that is begging to emerge and express what they think and how they feel. It may express itself in music, in words, in bringing to life something uniquely you, or a vision so real it compels action. I was fortunate that at a young age, my family recognized it within me. I was raised in a family of entrepreneurs, craftsmen, storytellers, and people who pursued their dreams and encouraged me to explore my talents.

In my early teens, I took classes at Chicago’s Art Institute where I explored techniques, tools, and modes of expression. I was drawn to the sculptural form. Its tactile nature reached out to me. I’m fascinated by composition and the juxtaposition of positive/negative space. I set myself on a quest to experience the natural qualities of various materials. I’ve carved stone, wood, and clay. I’ve worked glass, forged iron, and manipulated metals in pursuit of a vision. Sculptors at some point choose to either carve away materials to reveal something or build something from scratch. I’m a builder.

That trait is not confined to creating objects or Avians. People who get to know me are often surprised that I’m not only an Ecosculptor, wordsmith, and local musician, whom fans know as “Harper”, but I’m the Executive Director of the Evergreen Creative District. Throughout my professional career, I’ve consulted with creative/cultural organizations and communities to develop strategies that can help them meet their goals. I see it as a natural extension of my abilities, and it feeds my passion to help creative communities thrive.

As Executive Director of the Evergreen Creative District, together with a group of community leaders, we are building an organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Evergreen’s Creative Industry. Working with a team of like-minded creatives we are building an organization that will have a lasting impact on the quality of life in the greater Evergreen area and link us with other Creative Districts throughout Denver and across the state.

I’ve survived 75 years on this planet by allowing the creative spirit that dwells within me to chart my path. I’ve taken risks to follow my passion, made lasting friends, explored far-off lands, and encountered amazing things. The tangible, tactile entities I’ve brought to life, chronicle a series of accomplishments, The creations that come off my workbench constantly amaze me. And the process, while sometimes exhausting is deeply satisfying. It feels great when people adopt one of my sculptures, when my work is honored with another award ribbon, and when my story is shared.

But I’m most proud of being able to contribute to the process of helping others appreciate the world that surrounds them, and of being instrumental in awakening, encouraging, and stimulating thoughts, possibilities, and moments of wonder in others. I thrive on helping to effect change when change is needed and aiding efforts to protect and preserve the planet and all who dwell upon it.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
In the dozen-plus years I’ve been here, I’ve experienced a sense of welcoming that is rare and wonderful. Most people I’ve met have relocated from somewhere outside the state. Each has a story to tell and has made a choice to create a new life here. They are open to making new connections and are open to experiencing new things.

Denver is to be applauded for hosting numerous local and state organizations that offer strong support for the Arts. Organizations like the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), and a wealth of other organizations are committed to helping arts-related entities thrive. There are wonderful things to discover and support.

The city is in flux. It is growing rapidly and during the short time I’ve been here, I’ve witnessed escalating real-estate values forcing the migration from older established arts/cultural communities and putting those entities at risk. Fortunately, the organizations mentioned above are looking at developing long-term strategies to address those issues.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amazaravians.world and www.evergreencreativedistrict.org