"My collage works emerge from a rich tapestry of artistic heritage, woven from fragments torn from the pages of art history." 

In his collage works, Artwork Archive's Featured Artist Ray Beldner draws inspiration straight from the pages of art history books, auction catalogs, and contemporary magazines.

Inspired by the sculptural forms of Henry Moore and Jean Arp, Ray is captivated by the intricate shapes and textures they embody, deconstructing them to create visually striking collages that challenge conventional perceptions. 

Ray's journey as a sculptor and new media artist, with national and international exhibitions, showcases his ability to blend intuition with raw materials. His collages evolve from simple layered constructs to expansive assemblages and freestanding sculptures, creating a dialogue between his intuition and the materials at hand. 

Through his work, Ray Beldner hopes viewers will revel in the joy of invention and the complexities and contradictions of visual pleasure. 

Artwork Archive had the chance to chat with Ray Beldner about his creative process, the advice he has for other artists, and how Artwork Archive helps him manage his studio and art career! 

You can see more of his work on Discovery and learn more about his art practice below.

Artist Ray Beldner working in his studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

What does your creative process look like? 

All my collage imagery comes from contemporary and historical artworks I've found in books, magazines, and auction catalogs.

I've scanned hundreds of images to create a digital library that I can select from and print anytime. I've also scanned images of modernist sculptures whose shapes I have laser-cut out of plywood.

A new work begins by layering different bits of collage material on the shaped wood pieces until I get a color scheme and pattern that I like. My process is intuitive; I work quickly, arranging and layering different shapes, and trying out various compositions until I find one that feels right, has interesting negative space, and implies movement. 

 

Can you share more about the inspiration behind your recent collage works and how they differ from your previous conceptual projects? 

I'm inspired by art, art history, and artists.

I'm particularly moved by the physical and sensual attributes of their work—the colors, textures, and shapes of the elements that comprise a classic painting or sculpture.

All artists are inspired by other art, but rather than hide that influence, I embrace it by literally appropriating and incorporating bits of their work into mine.

If collage is the juxtaposition of different forms and ideas, re-contextualized to create a new whole, then I would assert that all art is a type of "collage." 

The way my recent collage work differs from earlier conceptual work is that I don't start with an idea or end product in mind. I take the simple elements of paper and wood and just play. They are really an exploration of color, shape, line, negative space, and movement. 

Ray Beldner, Beautiful Freak, 58 x 56 x 1.5 in, 2024

What do you hope viewers take away from your work? 

I want them, like I do, to revel in the joy of invention and the complexities and contradictions of visual pleasure. 

 

In hindsight, what's something you wish you knew before becoming a professional artist? 

I wish I had understood earlier the importance of creating a large body of work.

Producing more art accelerates improvement, helps you work through creative challenges, and creates momentum for getting your artwork out into the world.

Do you have any rituals or routines to get you in the creative headspace? 

Yes, plenty. I have to clean my space, put the tools away, sweep the floor, and make a pot of coffee before I feel like I'm ready to work.

I'm a bit like a dog circling its bed before it lays down.

It has to feel right before beginning. 

Ray Beldner working in his studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Was there a specific instance or time you realized you needed something like Artwork Archive to inventory your artwork and manage your art career?  

I've tried my own homemade solutions: like Word docs, spreadsheets, Dropbox folders, Google Drive, etc., but none could do everything a platform like Artwork Archive can do.

I did a lot of research over a few years to see what was out there, but I never found the time to try them out and implement them. 

Finally, during the pandemic lockdown in April 2020, I no longer had an excuse—so I signed up for Artwork Archive and never looked back! 

 

How do you use Artwork Archive on a daily basis? 

It’s true, I use Artwork Archive every day.

I use it for adding new artwork (remember, I work fast!), marking things sold, and keeping track of locations.

I use the Private Rooms quite a bit for galleries and consultants that I work with. I also create digital portfolios with the Reports Feature to send out and generate invoices for sold artwork and other art-related services.

Artwork Archive has made me much more efficient and professional in my business practices. 

Ray Beldner, Sleep Wake Hope, 46 x 46 x 1.5 in, 2024

What advice would you give an artist who's just starting out in their professional career? 

Make sure you have a dedicated space to work, whether it be a spare bedroom, a garage or outbuilding, or a rented studio space.

Commit to working there on a regular basis, even if it's only a day or a half day a week.

Make a lot of work. Be prolific, make mistakes, have fun—play!

And for God's sake, do not compare yourself to other artists. Comparison is the thief of joy.