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Ron Balser
Ronald Davis Balser graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics. In 1961 Ron entered the insurance industry and looked to the emerging area of executive benefits. Ron Balser was a founder of Balser Companies, a nationally recognized advisor to Fortune 1000 companies.
Ron is founder of Balser Art Ventures, LLC, a design, production and distribution company which promotes his personally produced works of art. His photography, granite benches and sculpture are in private and public collections throughout the country.
“Symbols and expressions carved in stone are a thousand year-old tradition in the Southwest, so I am excited to offer my messages from modern culture to Santa Fe”, Balser muses. “To me, words, coupled with the power of symbolism, are the kernel of compelling communication. And, when they are cut into stone they create a sense of stability and immortality that lives for generations. For example, the archetypal symbols of the cliff dwellers are still found in the artistic works of their descendents on the pueblos not far from Santa Fe”, he explains.
“People and nature inspire my designs” says Balser. For example, his bench titled ‘Santa Fe Opera Bench’ displays the inscription “LEADERS - Seek Truth - Take Risks - Have Courage - Unleash Passion”. The elegant simplicity and bold strength was inspired by Director of the Opera, Richard Gaddes. The aurora granite is reflective of the Santa Fe sky at night. Balser’s phrases and aphorisms emerge from his life-long experiences as a CEO and nationally recognized business consultant.
Another medium for Balser is the LED display screen. It’s a more animated delivery of his wit and wisdom. He describes it as “electronic prose – a dazzling electronic arcade”. It merges the ‘in your face’ aspect of street graffiti with contemporary cultural commentary ranging from sage to edgey. One example is a rolling and flashing display proclaiming “A page of history is worth a volume of logic”. Balser’s intention is ‘pure fun’.
Works by Ron Balser are found in private collections, and the following public collections: The National Headquarters of the Anti-Defamation League in New York, NY; The Wharton School of Business, Philadelphia, PA; Emory University, in Atlanta; Naples Community Hospital, Naples, FL; The Staglin Vineyards, Napa Valley, CA.; and, the Santa Fe Opera.
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