John Ralston V

Artist Statement

My artistry delves into the core essence of ingots—those condensed, invaluable representations of accumulation and time. Just as ingots are mined, stripped away from the distractions of their surroundings, I seek to distill the environment around my work, reflecting only the purest, most elemental facets. They stand as a metaphor for the elements we understand and those we have yet to encounter—hidden secrets from vast celestial realms that challenge our very understanding of matter and existence.
The universe, with its vast mysteries and intricate processes, serves as a rich canvas for my explorations. I am enamored by the interplay of forces that shape existence—heat that melds, time that transforms, erosion that sculpts, and the myriad methods of friction that reshape everything they touch. This fascination extends into my art, where I incorporate the waste and byproducts of these processes, breathing new life into them. The cyclical nature of existence, where today's abundance becomes tomorrow's rarity, is a recurring theme in the timeline of my pieces.
While I consciously distance myself from the prevailing standards, theories, and transient trends of the contemporary art world, my deepest desire is for my work to resonate on a universal scale. Every piece I create is a personal journey, a narrative of skills laboriously honed over time, moving from the wide-eyed wonder of naive curiosity to the seasoned gaze of expertise. I believe that within the dance of colors and the harmony of compositions, there exist age-old secrets, whispers that nudge the viewer to see beyond the obvious, to recognize that duality can exist in a single gaze.
The world today is a cacophony of contradictions, overburdened by jargon and masked intentions. My art seeks to offer a respite—a space devoid of overt representation, offering instead a reflection of raw, unfiltered emotion and thought. It's a rebellion against the mundanity that is creeping into our existence, the dilution of meaning and essence from pummeling hyperbole. Amidst this, my work pronounces the truth in its evidence of the genuine labor that goes into its creation.
In a landscape of shifting values and uncertain tomorrows, I find solace in my art. It's a journey towards self-realization, an endeavor to understand my place in this vast universe, and a humble attempt to share that understanding with those who engage with my work.

Biography

John Ralston is a multifaceted artist and carpenter based in Baltimore, Maryland. A Virginia native, Ralston honed his skills at Old Dominion University before pursuing advanced studies in fine art at the Maryland Institute College of Art's Mount Royal program. Under the guidance of esteemed artists such as Frances Barth, Alice Aycock, and Luca Buvoli, he refined his artistic vision. Ralston's work is influenced by a cadre of distinguished artists, including Tony Cragg, Ursula Von Rydingsvard, Ron Nagle, Carol Bove, and Bram Bogart.
In his professional life, Ralston oversees renovation projects across Baltimore, drawing inspiration from the materials and methods he encounters to fuel his artistic endeavors. He takes pride in the tactile experience of creation, valuing the integrity of well-crafted objects in both art and design.
Ralston's artwork has been showcased throughout America. His talent earned him an honorable mention for the Circle Arts “Artist of the Month” accolade in 2023. His current artistic practice is focused on getting his latest selection of artwork documented using a multitude of new and experimental techniques, optimizing his creative process, and enhancing the conceptual vigor of his work.
His recent solo exhibit, “The Endless Wake,” held at the D’art Center gallery in Norfolk, Virginia, in August 2021, displayed a selection of his latest works alongside earlier pieces. Following this, Ralston's work featured in the Abington Art Center's fall solo exhibition series, with his show “Omni-Threshold” debuting in November 2021. He was also included in the May 2024 print issue of Suboart Magazine alongside a roster of exceptionally talented artists.
Looking ahead, Ralston plans to spend the remainder of the year exhibiting his newly completed works and crafting a new series that ventures into more striking, otherworldly visual explorations.

Broken Ward, 37x29x5”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Cellain Moonrise , 30x30x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Lehnellen, 32x49x5”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Hvarlsagh , 28x44x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Grinning Dread Nebula, 44x28x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Nevaht-Seg, 30x47x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Roaiva-Nun 28x44x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Trohwa-Gir, 30x47x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Yerritrypo, 19x30x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Schrozaus (Day Side), 24x24x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024
Eroecoa, 19x34x3”, Paint, Plaster, Resin, 2024