INTERVIEW with Artist Ron Sombilon
LFC: Hey Ron! We read about your Passion Chasers campaign. Can you explain to us briefly what that is?
Ron: Passion Chaser’s is my own creation and my pride and joy. It is a series which captures the essence of an individual and expresses their inspirational life story through Art. My subjects are true difference makers who are able to leverage their successes, failures and accomplishments to encourage and guide others who find inspiration in the paths they have chosen. My intention is to immediately forge an intimate bond between the people viewing the work and the subject(s) immortalized within. The purpose of this Art is to engender the notion in the millions of viewers world-wide that the lives of Rock Legends, such as Loverboy, are filled with trials and tribulations that have been overcome through passion, drive and commitment on behalf of themselves and their families to an ultimate goal which so few people ever achieve
LFC: Loverboy is part of your Passion Chasers gallery. How did Passion Chasers begin and who are some of its ambassadors?
Ron: Passion Chasers began following the untimely passing of my beautiful mother due to Cancer. She is the essence of what a Passion Chaser is meant to be. Her life was spent helping others and making stern decisions that led my family over many of life’s obstacles and is the primary reason I am able to share my art with so many fans and collectors around the world. My mom was instrumental in the success and achievements of not only my whole family but in the lives of so many others who reached out to her and simply happened to cross her path. Passion Chaser ambassadors range from high profile celebrities and professional athletes to doctors, nurses and children who are all real people who have challenged themselves to inspire others to make a difference all while taking life’s challenges in stride. Currently, I am working with some very well known personalities in the music industry and will be releasing their art alongside the Loverboy collection later this year. I will definitely let you know who they are as soon as the art is finalized.
LFC: Loverboy is actively involved with raising funds and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). How did your gallery become involved with JDRF?
Ron: The number one thing that Loverboy should be known for, other than their timeless music, is their generosity and philanthropy. Loverboy has a long standing and heartfelt relationship with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Everyone knows that the last time they performed together as a band before tragically losing bassist Scotty Smith at sea, was at a JDRF fundraising gala. From the beginning of our relationship they have insisted that every penny Loverboy earns from the sale of their Art from the Loverboy Art Boutique, be donated to benefit the JDRF. For me, my mission has always been to create art that changes the world. I create Art in large part to generate support, create momentum and fundraise for many results oriented non-profit organizations around the world. Loverboy’s generosity perpetuates this goal and makes it come to life! I encourage all of you Loverboy fan’s to get your own art piece now as you will also be playing a role in finding a cure for Diabetes. You can also make online donations and get more information if you go to their website
LFC: You attended a Loverboy show in Mission, BC last year. Your art has definitely captured the energy and excitement of a show! How were you inspired to create the art for each member of Loverboy and with Loverboy on tour, how long was the process to complete the art?
Ron: Working with Loverboy is an awesome experience. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to earn your place in rock history and to have such enduring respect and fame. Through my Art I am tasked with trying to capture their story as a band, while highlighting elements of their accomplishments as individuals. It was no easy task to get to this point where the Art is now available to the world. The band is tough to track down because they simply won’t stay in one city long enough! They just keep touring and rocking out everywhere. It took several months and multiple drafts to get to a point that I was happy with the final proofs. Each band member gave me the insight and approval I sought to tell their stories the way they wanted them told. I was in constant contact with the band through their manager Gail Lagden who provided me with everything from photo’s to tales of epic moments both on and off stage during the peak of Loverboy’s popularity. Gail also invited me to a watch the band perform in Mission, B.C. where I met Matt Frenette’s parents and was able to get a good feel for the organized chaos that goes into a live performance. Loverboy pretty much shows up, blows everyone away and then can’t leave until they’ve satisfied the crowd by performing at least two encores. For me to get into my work, I need to understand what makes people tick and what they are passionate about. The best way to do that with Loverboy is to see them live.
LFC: The Loverboy Art Boutique contains the only official art released by the band. Will the boutique be a permanent fixture or will there a limited number of prints being released?
Ron: Yes, the purpose of the Art Boutique is to continue to raise funds for the JDRF which Loverboy has an enduring relationship with. My website www.RonSombilonGallery.com will also permanently be linked to the Boutique. As the art is available in multiple mediums, there are several pieces that are only available as limited editions. My plan going forward is to create a Loverboy and friends series where bands that they have toured, performed and written with will be added to the collection. This may include Rock Legends like Journey, ZZ Top and REO Speedwagon. Stay tuned and keep your eye out for press releases on the Ron Sombilon Gallery Group facebook page.
LFC: Tell us what motivates Ron Sombilon... to accomplish all you do?
Ron: That’s easy… PASSION!
Be sure to visit the Loverboy Art Boutique proceeds benefitting the JDRF.
RON SOMBILON
CEO/ARTIST Ron Sombilon Gallery
Direct 1.604.916.0257
Toll Free 1.800.385.2301
Fax +1.604.873.5957
E-mail ron@ronsombilongallery.com
Website: ronsombilongallery.com
Check out Ron's Flickr page
**JDRF is the number one nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research worldwide. Their sole mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research, so you know that the money you
donate or help raise will be used appropriately. Since their founding in 1970 by parents of children with juvenile diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $900 million (CDN) to diabetes research. After more than 30 years, JDRF confidently states that, for the first time ever, a cure for type 1 diabetes is not only possible, but likely. JDRF’s new billion-dollar global campaign, “From Research to Reality: The Campaign to Accelerate the Cure for Diabetes,” is intended to do just that: step up the transformation of research into treatments and interventions that can
soon benefit people with type 1 diabetes.**
For more information or to make a donation PLEASE visit
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