Renaissance man looks for magic in art and life

Los Osan Ron Roundy is a Renaissance Man. He feeds his soul with his art, sustains his life style negotiating real estate deals, balances his stress remodeling and maintaining his southern Utah log cabin and appreciates quality times with wife Irma, their family, friends and community.

“I love putting things together,” said Roundy about the art form he calls ‘road sculptures.’

He collects ‘found objects’ that tickle his artistic fancy -- glass, fabric, dried goods, wood, plastic or metal remains. Ultimately the recycled items are tied, twisted, welded and/or glued into a wall hanging or innovative design.

“I look for magic -- where the whole piece becomes something more than the sum of its parts.”

For the sixth year he will participate in ARTS Obispo’s Open Studio tours Oct. 12-13 and 19-20. His poster invites aficionados to his home studio at 1855 7th Street in Los Osos to view his “current work in sculpture, drawings and assemblage” and Irma’s “coffee in the morning, wine in the afternoon.”

Details for all participating artists are at www.artsobispo.org. Ron Roundy’s art is metaphoric for how he pieces each day of his life together with passion, gusto, and humor.

By profession, Roundy is a realtor. He’s worked side-by-side with broker Richard Gardner, owner of Prudential Hunter, for 25 years.

“I just had my best year since 2006. It’s been slow, but I did more in the month of April than all last year.” He added, “When real estate is going good I’m a realtor, even when needed 24-7. When it’s quiet, I’m an artist. But I always draw every night.”

Roundy regularly supports Los Osos fundraising efforts by donating his art and attending community events. For example, he’s been director for the Los Osos/Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual Oktoberfest Run scheduled for Oct. 27. Thirty years ago he designed the unique event, including the Cloisonné bears awarded to top finishers. He also custom designs an artistic run T-shirt for purchase annually.

“This is my last run,” he said adamantly. “I hope someone else steps up. All proceeds benefit Morro Bay High School’s cross country kids. I was a runner and my three boys were runners, but they graduated 20 years ago. It’s time to give up the microphone. The run opens Oktoberfest. We register Sunday morning at 7:45 at the Baywood Pier. All ages race at 9. Awards and a drawing for the gift certificates gathered by the students are at 11. The cost is $10 for the run and $15 more for the shirt. I try to make a shirt so neat they’ll want to buy it.”

For information call Roundy at 235-4808 or see the flyer at www.lobpchamber.org.

This story was originally published October 5, 2013 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Renaissance man looks for magic in art and life."