Biography

 

Ronald VanOstrand

 

b. 1968

 

Ron began his association with the metal arts while studying under metal-smith Thomas R. Markusen. During his studies and in following years, Ron interned at the Markusen Metalsmithing Studio. After earning his Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the State University of New York at Brockport, he went on to study at the Rochester Institute of Technology's School for American Craft and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Metal/Jewelry Design. It was at RIT that Ron was introduced to the Roycroft Renaissance art movement. Ron continues to craft works in copper, silver, German silver, and occasionally gold, in the manner set forth by the Roycrofters. Ron has continued to grow as an artist by adding hand-engraving to his collection of ornamentation skills. He is assisted in his home studio by his spouse and partner Dawn Raczka, an artist in her own right. Since 2002 Ron has worked in East Aurora, New York as an art educator.