About the speaker

Ron Silver is a self-taught painter who was born in New York City but raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

After dropping out of high school, Ron spent his life pursuing an education and an artistic journey that reflects a profound exploration of beauty, identity, and the often overlooked narratives found in everyday life. He worked as a dishwasher and cook helper in Pennsylvania, before moving back to New York City in the pursue of bigger opportunities. That’s how he rented a kitchen and started selling pies to neighbors and restaurants around Tribeca. After several attempts, he finally convinced the

leaseholder to let him open the kitchen to the public a day before Thanksgiving in the 90's, and that’s how he ended up opening Bubby’s.

Ron’s approach to art is deeply shaped by Japanese culture, particularly its focus on community and service. His work reflects the influence of a lifetime of inspirations, ranging from his mentor Alfredo Futuro, to Egon Schiele to Renaissance masters and the classics.

At its core, however, his art is rooted in the traditions of American folk, weaving these diverse influences into a uniquely personal vision.