Ron Hardy aka Tarumbae ARTIST STATEMENT: My art is social commentary expressed realistically rooted from the spiritual and physical journey that I’ve traveled during this lifetime. I inherited the position as “Griot” of the Hardy Family. My artistic works reflect the content and sum of my reality. My artistic works are neither whimsical nor ambiguous. The art that is extracted from me tells a story, my story. My art is what it is , and I am who I am. My art expresses my journey in an obvious manner. It reflects that which my eyes and ears have absorbed throughout my lifetime. My artistic content in all disciplines are real life experiences. My aspiration is to master the art of ” Making it Happen” thus becoming a true artist of life /*\ ARTIST of LIFE: What some may call “Art” is a daily way of life for others. It is a way of life that is created by necessity and the lack of resources. Invention and creativity along with ingenuity become the ways of survival in economically, socially and psychologically oppressed communities. I am a product of this demographic. Creation was the way of life and ingenuity provided the path for survival in my community. Economic conditions along with the will to survive and thrive were the motivating factors that sparked the creative juices of which flowed “Art”. In summary one could say artistic works produced in the deep roots of the Black community were stimulated by the need to survive, thrive and build self-esteem. One being born into this underserved population is one’s fate. In essence, one is locked into the prison of reality and born into a world filled with hatred, war, injustice and poverty. Creation in order to survive becomes a must. Although my life condition has changed, the artistic creative approach to life is embedded in my spirit. Hopefully this approach is exhibited in the bodies of work spanning the various disciplines that I engage. I evoke this thought into my work, “PUT SOME PAINT, WHERE IT AIN’T. ” I use this philosophical approach to engaging all endeavors in my life. My art comes from my heart. In 1986, Ron released his first 12″ single while living in San Francisco, CA . He performed as Tarumbae and the Rydim Rockers during that era. Ron owns his own publishing company, Utopia West Creations (BMI). He shook up the reggae world with his brand of funky reggae. His music has received positive reviews throughout the years from Doug Wendt (The Beat), |Jonathan E. (W.A.R.D. Report), Beverley Mire(Gavin Report) and Chuck Foster(The World Beat). He is an original member of both “Galaxy” and “The Fillmotions” hailing from San Francisco, CA. His fluid style of playing percussion can be heard on the early eighties recordings of both these groups. Ron is noted in the National Hip/Hop Archives as one of the founders of the “The Deep” magazine which was the first free hip/hop magazine in the Bay Area in 1987. In 1991, Ron also hosted “The City Under Seize Ragga Muffin” radio show on KPOO 89.5 in San Francisco. He lived in Finland from 1992 through 1996 where he continued his musical journey. He performed with the reggae band Saganor for 4 years along side Mike Thomas formerly of the Mighty Pyramids of Jamaica. During that time, he released ” Book Three Synthesis” with a young Finnish band named “No Explanation” which featured Ron’s writing and producing skills. The group received national rotation air play in Finland. Since returning to Shreveport, LA, he has won several regional awards for his contribution to music and the arts here in Northwest Louisiana. They are the “2004 Shreveport Regional Arts Council Music Fellowship Award, as well as the 2006 Multimedia Fellowship Award. Ron is a voting member of The Recording Academy and has been a member of BMI since 1986. Ron has used his musical talent and expertise to inspire as well as teach under served urban youth the nuts and bolts of the music industry through his program ” The Urban Music Workshop” sponsored by the arts organization he founded in 1997 called “Playaz and Playettes, Inc,” which won the “2004 Governor’s Art Award for Outstanding Small Arts Organization in the State of Louisiana”. Ron is a dynamic performer, a seasoned recording artist, songwriter and producer as well as a percussionist extraordinaire.