|
The
Rodeo Series 1999 is computer video based art about
rough stock rodeo riding (bull riding, bareback bronc riding,
saddle bronc riding and bullfighting). It is a work in progress
with new pieces in the works. Thus far completed are two video
pieces, Ghost Riders, 1999 and Bull Rider, 1999
and fifteen digital stills printed on canvas.
The
Rodeo Series is a direct result of Ringsby becoming
disenchanted with the vicarious life of academia. After a
decade of university life, having achieved three degrees,
and feeling the brunt of academic political correctness, the
artist was ready for real life. Delighted to reconnect with
his Western roots Ringsby found himself back at his old family
ranch in Wyoming. Over the the past five years, he improved
his ability at horseback riding, packing and training (this
includes breaking and training wild Mustang colts with veteran
Utah cowboys). Ringsby became increasingly interested in rodeo
and decided to fulfill a boyhood dream of learning how to
ride rodeo broncs. At age 35, Ringsby started riding saddle
bronc. At the Lyle Sankey Rodeo school Lubbock, Texas Ringsby
rode his first bronc to the eight second buzzer. He was awarded
the Top Student of all rough stock events (most of the other
students were half his age).
The
video used, as the basis of this work, was originally shot
by the artist to study saddle bronc riding and thus improve
his technique. Ringsby digitized his Hi8 video from rodeos
in Wyoming, Texas and Alberta, on his computer. Next he reduced
the speed to about 25% to scrutinize the top riders methods
of staying on board. The imagery was so hypnotic and beautiful,
Ringsby decided to put his video art training to use and make
it into contemporary art. Ringsby's challenge is to make contemporary
art using classic Western imagery, while making it fresh,
new and in the present, and retain a mythic timelessness.
|
