Humor Conquers Anxiety

By Ronald Abramson

I started collecting from Ricky Bernstein by commissioning works from him.  The commission process was intended by me to be as loose and free as possible.  I believed in the artist and knew intuitively that the more freedom I granted, the better the outcome would be.

I summed up my philosophy on commissioning many years ago as follows: “I had a great time doing all of this and I hope to continue in this role for years to come.  I encourage each interested or even curious person, especially those who hesitate acquiring an already completed piece, to place yourself in this same position.  The commitment to the final and previously unknown result will flow naturally from the involvement in the creative process.”

There are many interconnected reasons why I selected Ricky to do three original commissions; my favorite, a frenetic tender piece from 1985 entitled “Home on the Range.”  My thinking is best distilled in what I wrote after living with the piece for several months.  “ I am attracted to Ricky’s work because it helps me cope with my own hurried existence.  As a full-time attorney, my compulsive nature matches neatly with the compulsive nature of my clients.  The process of working and the achievement of the end product combine together to overpower the inherent pleasure and anxiety.”

Yet another element is required to maintain poise and equilibrium.  That element for me has been living with objects usually made by people I know on a personal basis, and whose work combines mastery of the materials with keen powers of observation of common, but cogent human situations.

Thus, when Ricky documents the battle between anxiety and achievement, it makes it easier for me to believe that the battle is universal.  Since everyone has to cope with the same ordeals, the struggle is easier and the end closer in sight.  The battle is even less threatening when Ricky’s humor adds humanity and perspective to struggles that can seem all too serious.

Ricky has great skill and talent. His chosen medium of glass has always had a powerful hold on me.  However, his special status for me is his role as the artist-writer, as the commentator-observer and as the champion of humor over anxiety.

All in all…Ricky’s pieces are appealing and challenging because they are playful on the surface but there is a critical mass of pathos, warmth and humanity.  Each piece has held up over the years.  Moreover, Ricky’s newer creations reaffirm my original faith that he would grow as an artist over time.  Most of all I am pleased to call Ricky a friend of mine.  He embodies the generous spirit that is embedded in his works of art.

Ronald Abramson is a collector of contemporary art.  Ricky has created three commissions for Abramson…”Home Again,” 1982 – permanent collection of the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY --- “Home On The Range,” 1985 – Mr. Abramson’s personal collection --- “Let’s Make A Deal,” 1989 –  permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design, New York, NY.

 

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