Leonard Ruder @ 12×16 Gallery in September
“For Ruder, painting has been a private way of answering questions related to the world inside and outside himself. His fascination (or intrigue) with space, science and mechanical and architectural elements are evident in his work. This show contrasts Ruder’s early works from the 1950s with later works from the 1980s.” – Rhea Sleeman
“Leonard Ruder has painted for over fifty years. In the 1950′s he was no stranger to the Portland art scene, but even then found it against his native spirit to promote his work around town. The most he could force himself to do was to enter his paintings in the Portland Art Museum’s annual “Artists of Oregon” show of the 1950′s, ’60′s and early ’70′s.
It was an effort for him to take his work, strapped to the back of his old Volkswagen bug, down to the Portland Art Museum Rental Gallery were his work was shown until 2000. He could justify the toil of that task because what little income he derived he immediately shoveled back into more paint.
The thought of having to sell himself and his work to galleries was unsettling and more than he could justify on his earnings as a full time janitor with three children and a wife at home to support. For Ruder, painting has always been a very private way of answering questions related to the world inside and outside of himself.
His fascination and intrigue with space, science, mechanical and architectural elements have always been the mainstay of his work. Luckily, decades later, a few curators have become interested in Ruder’s work. After a very successful show at The Art Gym at Marylhurst University last year, a new show, contrasting his work from the 1950′s with later works from the 1980′s is opening. The elements that have always obsessed him are evident in both of these periods. He remains quiet about his work to this day but seemingly amused that his work is capturing some attention without his effort.” – Rhine Ruder
September 3-29
First Friday Reception: September 4, 6-9 pm
Artist’s Reception: Saturday, September 12, 2-4 pm
12X16 Gallery
8235 SE 13th AVE
503-432-3513
12-6 pm, Thurs-Sunday