The Awards Collective was created to feature the works of artist who have received either a Juror’s Award or Director’s Award in ASG’s Online exhibitions.  Ronald Butler’s image “somebody see you up there“ received the Director’s Award in the “interiors” exhibition juried by Ann Mitchell.  Ron’s exhibition “First and Oldest Dream” is discussed in this GalleryTalk.

Artist Statement

My memory goes way back to the ages of two or three. One of those memories was of a reoccurring dream. It was simple, lacking sound, lacking images, almost lacking feelings. It was a state of being. A state of contentment. In that contentment, a wave of tension would slowly build and then release. The waves would come in a random pattern. Upon waking I knew that this was not the first time I had this dream. Each time the dream reoccurred more elements were added to it. One time it was just the play of light and dark with the light building up to a blinding glare and releasing back into darkness. As I grew into childhood images and sounds began to be attached to the frame work of this dream. It was not my only dream but it was one that would return like an old friend. The relaxed darkness became a part of me riding the wave of the stresses of life. It became a place of centering. As I began to express myself through my teens into adulthood this calm place would inform me. Quietly it would point out something (music, art, or an event) I should notice and retain for later. In times of trials and troubles I could retreat to this place to heal and create. Decades later, when I started on my path of photography, I noticed, that on occasion, this place in me would say “frame that…take the photo…the meanings come later.” I listened and the more I listened that voice and its sensibility grew stronger. After years of following this direction, I also noticed that it always reflected the place in me and would echo the dream. No matter the subject matter, it was in essence the same photo. When the resonance happens, I feel a “yes, that is it.” Sometimes I know it as the shutter clicks and other times it rings true after the film is developed. Not all my work is based on this, but this is a constant to which I return. My first and oldest dream manifests itself into the world one frame at a time.

Ron Butler
June, 2024

Bio

I was born and raised in Mississippi and have lived in New York City since 1983.

I have lived many lives and try to bring that experience to the camera. There is what I intend and there is what actually happens. I try to stay open to what is in front of me and experiment with all processes, antique to modern, to tell the story. I like to play.

instagram:  @ronbphotography

link to online exhibition