‘When you paint on campus, it forces people to come to it. I wanted to bring something to the people, where by using people, they can travel the world and my art can travel with them.’

In a few years, Ron Bass will need no introduction. The Brooklyn native is a free-spirited visual artist and designer from humble beginnings, whose artwork has been spotted on the likes of Jay Z, Beyonce, Swizz Beatz, Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne.
This past weekend, it was a complete honor to receive an invitation to Ron’s live painting and pop up shop at Possch Boutique in North Hollywood. During the span of a few hours, guests of the evening munched on hors d’oeuvres, sipped cocktails and networked with creatives while Ron transferred a plain black leather jacket into artwork inspired by love, faith, intuition and purpose.
Take a look!

Other work from the Bass by Ron Bass collection:

After the live painting session, I sat down with Ron to learn more about his background in hotel management, his parents (who he lost within a short time of each other), and what eventually inspired him to quit his job and focus on art full time. He also described the moment he received a call that Jay Z was wearing his hat (one of the first pieces he ever made) and what the most memorable moment of his career was thus far.
I was extremely captivated by Ron’s spirit. He was very upbeat and humble, and left me with this little nugget:

I want to be remembered as that artist or individual that stuck true to love and spread love in the most grandest way possible. And genuine. If tomorrow was my last day, I know that I would be smiling. I’m content and at peace with everything that I’m doing. When I look back, from the first day I was born, every single thing I went through was worth it.

You can keep up with Ron at:

Website: IAMRONBASS
Twitter: IAM_RONBASS
Instagram: IAM_RONBASS

Photos & Video by Patrick Neree