Byron Ryono mini series series: finding my way

November 2 - December 15, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, November 2, 6–8 pm

First Friday Reception: Friday, December 7, 6-8pm

In 2010, Byron Ryono started making cast and welded sculptures after brief periods of working in ceramics, photography, and jewelry making, and after 30 years working in the high tech business field.The exhibition titled mini series series: finding my way, will feature an eclectic array of bronze sculptures categorized into five small series of work – a representation of multiple courses of exploration, which he considers part of the process in finding his way with his artistic expression.

The Appendage Mini Series includes curious and textured attachments protruding from a smooth, geometric base, contrasting shape and surface. As reflected in one of the titles “Exclamation,” the piece appears as multiple vertical strokes that extend from the period of an exclamation point.

The Bird Form Mini Series includes small-scale bird forms perched peacefully atop branches or on wood blocks.The series is inspired by Ryono’s work as a bird bander for the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

The Fauxbergé Egg Mini Series represents life and the contradictions and complexities it contains. In this series of bronze egg forms, the artist bejewels them with rhinestones, thereby adding a degree of preciousness as in priceless Faberge eggs crafted with gemstones and gold.

The Handle Mini Series includes sunburst arrangements made with various handles removed from found screwdrivers.The series is a contemplation on the previous owners and their labor, evidenced by the worn condition of the tools.

In The Cure Bottle Mini Series, Ryono cast an old medicinal bottle found in St. Michael, Alaska on the Bering Sea, which in 1897 served as an entry point for miners traveling the Yukon River during the Gold Rush.The title of each bottle, such as “No Collusion Cure, Moscow” and “Assault Weapon Cure, Congress,” offers a remedy to what some may consider a current political ailment.

The Appendage Mini Series includes curious and textured attachments protruding from a smooth, geometric base, contrasting shape and surface. As reflected in one of the titles “Exclamation,” the piece appears as multiple vertical strokes that extend from the period of an exclamation point.

The Bird Form Mini Series includes small-scale bird forms perched peacefully atop branches or on wood blocks.The series is inspired by Ryono’s work as a bird bander for the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

The Fauxbergé Egg Mini Series represents life and the contradictions and complexities it contains. In this series of bronze egg forms, the artist bejewels them with rhinestones, thereby adding a degree of preciousness as in priceless Faberge eggs crafted with gemstones and gold.

The Handle Mini Series includes sunburst arrangements made with various handles removed from found screwdrivers.The series is a contemplation on the previous owners and their labor, evidenced by the worn condition of the tools.

About the Artist:

Byron Ryono currently lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has exhibited his work throughout the region at venues such as Mission College in Santa Clara, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, and most recently a solo show at Jack Fischer Gallery in San Francisco.

About Homeless Action Center:

Partial proceeds from the exhibition sales will be donated to the Homeless Action Center located in Oakland and Berkeley. The Homeless Action Center is the only legal services program in the Bay Area that focuses solely on benefits advocacy for the homeless or those at serious risk. HAC’s no- cost, barrier-free, culturally competent legal representation aims to assist homeless men and women to navigate programs that provide a pathway out of homelessness. HAC has offices in Downtown Oakland,West Oakland, and Berkeley. Visit homelessactioncenter.org for more information about the organization.