Ron Goldstein
Interview with Artist Ron Goldstein
CCCP, Ron Goldstein.
Tell us a little about your early inspirations to create art. When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? I've always been drawn to the arts and visual storytelling.
“From a young age, I was constantly sketching, playing music, and immersing myself in the cinematic world - where light, imagery, sound, and fashion come together to create entire fictional universes. The power of storytelling and its ability to transport, inspire, and evoke deep emotions has always fascinated me. Cinema and music were my biggest influences. Directors like Hitchcock, Fellini, Cronenberg, Kubrick, and Spielberg shaped my creative perspective. I have a deep connection to the elegance and aesthetics of the 1920s to the 1970s, drawing inspiration from history, architecture, the human form, and classical art. I see my work as a way to provoke emotions, spark imagination, and challenge perceptions - turning fiction into something that feels real.”
What are some key elements of a good work of art? (lighting, mood, theme, etc. etc.?)
“Art is deeply subjective - what resonates with one person might not with another. I don’t believe there’s a single formula for what makes ‘good’ art, as it ultimately lies in the eye of the beholder. That being said, for me personally, strong craftsmanship, a well-thought-out concept, and a clear artistic direction are essential. Great art carries intention - it’s not just visually appealing but also communicates an emotion, an idea, or a story. When an artist can channel their core feelings into their work and successfully transfer that emotion to the viewer, that’s when art becomes truly powerful. It’s about creating a connection, whether through composition, lighting, mood, or the medium itself.”
Is it more difficult to create a cohesive collection of artworks or photo story than to create a single good photograph / artwork? If so, what makes it harder?
“In my opinion, creating a cohesive collection - whether it's a series of images, a film, or a visual story - is far more challenging than producing a single striking image. A strong standalone piece can sometimes happen spontaneously, almost like a stroke of luck, but crafting a unified body of work requires deep thought, skill, patience, and craftsmanship. Telling a story, whether small or large, demands structure and intentionality. Every element - lighting, location, styling, casting, composition - must be in harmony with the overarching concept. Unlike a single image, where you can capture a fleeting moment and let it stand on its own, a collection needs to maintain consistency and coherence across multiple pieces. Additionally, a well-structured series gives the artist the ability to recreate, expand, or evolve the world they’ve built because they understand every element that went into its creation. This continuity is what forms an artist’s visual language - a recognizable fingerprint that ties their work together. A cohesive body of work is not just about individual strong images; it’s about ensuring they all speak the same artistic language and flow seamlessly as a whole.”
What advice would you give to a new artist seeking to develop a unique style?
“My honest advice would be to follow your heart and focus on what you truly want to express. Ask yourself what moves you, what evokes emotion, and what message you want to convey through your art. It’s easy to be influenced by the countless trends and styles around us, thinking that mimicking them is the key to success. But true artistic fulfillment comes from staying authentic to your own vision, even if that means taking a more challenging path. Your style should be a reflection of your emotions, experiences, and perspectives. Instead of chasing what’s popular, try to pinpoint the feelings that drive you and channel them into your work. Let your art be an extension of your voice - something that resonates because it’s real and uniquely yours.”
In your tenure as a photographer and artist, what are a couple of themes that you most enjoyed producing as art, and what made them a good experience for you?
“One of my most cherished and ambitious projects was Bitter Pulse, a noir-inspired cinematic fashion story. It was a year-long production with a dedicated team who wholeheartedly believed in the concept and brought it to life. What made this project unique was the depth behind it - it wasn’t just a visual series, but a fully developed narrative, complete with a written script and detailed character backstories. My goal was to create cinema in stills, capturing the essence of a film within a single frame. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints and the lack of sponsorship, the final vision - a luxury coffee table book - was never fully realized. Despite that, Bitter Pulse remains one of the most fulfilling creative endeavors I’ve ever undertaken. Beyond that, I’ve had the privilege of working on several projects that were deeply personal and creatively rewarding, such as 1842, CCCP, Undine (inspired by The Lady in the Lake painting), and Red Shoes (a music video for Velvet Kills) as well as many others. Each of these projects holds emotional significance for me, not only because of their artistic vision but also because of the journey they represented - the challenges, the exhilaration, and the incredible creatives I collaborated with along the way. I believe that when you truly immerse yourself in a project, it leaves a permanent imprint on your life. The experience becomes more than just the final images - it’s the memories, the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the connections forged in the process that make it unforgettable.”
How do you perceive art as a means of communication, and what do you hope others take away from your work?
“I see art as a powerful force - one that has the ability to inspire growth, help us overcome obstacles, and cleanse both the spirit and soul. It can communicate love, hope, and dreams, encouraging us to see more, be more, and share that energy with others. If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my work, it’s the importance of staying true to oneself. Create without fear, follow your own rhythm, and trust that the melody will take shape as you go. Art isn’t about conforming to expectations - it’s about letting your voice, your emotions, and your vision guide you to something uniquely your own. I hope I can inspire some through my work to play their own melody no matter what the market around them defines or say is the current hype, be timeless and create timeless.”
About:
Ron Goldstein is inspired by cinematic legends, and so his narrative-driven style encourages imaginative interpretation. His bold, cinematic compositions explore the fragile boundary between reality and illusion in fashion and beauty, inviting viewers to question the authenticity of beauty standards.
Website: rongoldsteinart.com
Instagram: @ron_goldstein_
