In order to achieve colors and textures not traditionally seen, Rod employs solid neon and beaded neon – a spectacular and rare effect resulting in a chain of little light beads traveling through the glass tubes – by subtly manipulating the energy field. He is drawn to the spiritual essence of neon – in his mind, the closest semblance to spiritual energy that one can see with one’s eyes in the physical world.

 

In addition to his work as a visual artist, his career as a playwright/director/ producer spans over 40 years with critically acclaimed original theater pieces which have toured across the USA, and to Canada and England. His pioneering work in accessible theater garnered him national television exposure and prestigious awards from the Princess Grace Foundation USA (presented by Frank Sinatra and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco), America’s 100 Heroes, State of California Governor’s and Media Access Awards and numerous Humanitarian Awards.

 

He created assemblage pieces for decades before turning his focus to neon. His mantra is to evoke stories by combining whimsy and spirituality, matter and light. With his tales of hope, spiritual journeys, redemption and triumph, Rod is a sought-after artist by patrons and commercial clients. Two large, commissioned assemblage works hang in the main lobby of the Boston Quincy Marriott Hotel.

 

Commissioned Works for Commercial Settings:

 

CommonUnity Gallery – Custom Neon Logo Design - Santa Barbara, CA 2021

Soho Myriad – Atlanta, GA

2 Custom 40” x 40” Assemblage Sculptures

Installed in the lobby of the Boston Quincy Marriott Hotel

Boston, MA – 2017

 

Currently Represented by DAC Art Consulting in Atlanta, GA

For commercial designs and commissions

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Exhibition History

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Kate Oh Gallery- Madison Ave & 72nd New York, NY- Solo Show 

November 3-24, 2022

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The Voice Gallery - Santa Barbara, CA November 1 - December 30, 2022

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Unite To Light Art Exhibit - CAW - Santa Barbara, CA - October 6-8, 2022

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Helena and Mason Gallery - Funk Zone in Santa Barbara, CA 2022 - current

 

Music Academy of the West - Holiday Art Auction - Montecito, CA 2021

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GraySpace Gallery Holiday Show - Santa Barbara, CA 2021

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CommenUnity Gallery – Santa Barbara, CA – 2021

“Neon Night Art Show” – Neon Sculptures and Collaborative works with painter Chris Gocong

 

Goldfield Home & Art – Palm Desert, CA – 2021-23

Resident Artist

 

Thomas Reynolds Gallery – Santa Barbara, CA – 2021

Group Show – Neon Sculptures and Collaborative work with painter George V. Wolf

 

CommenUnity Gallery – Santa Barbara, CA – 2021

Resident Artist

 

Goldfield Home & Art – Palm Desert, CA – 2021-22

Resident Artist / Collaborative works with painter George V. Wolf

 

Locals’ Collective Santa Barbara, CA – 2020-21

Group Show – Neon Sculptures

 

GraySpace Gallery – Santa Barbara, CA - 2020

Solo Show – Neon Sculptures

 

Imageville Gallery – Palm Springs, CA – 2020

Solo Show “Illuminations” – Neon Sculptures

 

Letter Perfect Gallery Art Exhibition – Summerland, CA - 2019

Group Show

 

GraySpace Gallery “Poetic License” – Santa Barbara, CA – 2019

Group Show

 

CAW (Community Arts Workshop) Grand Opening Show – 2018

Santa Barbara, CA

Group Show

 

Art Without Limits Mentorship Artists Show – Santa Barbara, CA - 2018

Group Show

 

2nd Friday Show – Santa Barbara Tennis Club – Santa Barbara, CA - 2016

Group Show

 

Indigo – Santa Barbara, CA – 2016

Group Show

 

Indigo – Santa Barbara, CA – 2015

Group Show

 

Plum Goods – Santa Barbara, CA - 2014

Solo Show

 

Ridley Tree Art Museum – Westmont College – Santa Barbara, CA – 2013

Group Show

 

Plum Goods – Santa Barbara, CA - 2013

Solo Show

 

“One Night Stand” – Brooks Institute Gallery – Santa Barbara, CA - 2012

Group Show

 

“One Night Stand” – Brooks Institute Gallery – Santa Barbara, CA - 2011

Group Show

 

Art From Scrap Gallery – 2010

Group Show

 

“Reinventions” - Art Resources Gallery – Santa Barbara

Solo Show – 2009

 

Awards

(partial list)

 

Leadership in the Arts Award – Santa Barbara Arts Commission – Santa Barbara, CA 2012

 

Founders Award – Dream Foundation – Santa Barbara, CA 2004

 

Top Ten National Theatre – Stage Directions Magazine – Las Vegas, NV 1998

 

President’s Award for Leadership in the Arts – California Association for Post-Secondary Education, Santa Barbara, CA - 1997

 

Outstanding Service Award – Dystonia Medical Foundation – Los Angeles, CA 1996

 

Outstanding Achievement Award/Grant – Princess Grace Foundation USA – 

Beverly Hills, CA 1995

 

Big Canvas Award – Santa Barbara Magazine – Santa Barbara, CA 1995

 

America’s 100 Real Heroes – Maxwell House Coffee – Nashville, TN 1992

 

Alumnus of the Year – Santa Barbara Education Foundation – Santa Barbara, CA 1989

 

Media Access Award – 1987 & 1998 – Beverly Hills, CA

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Rod is collected across the USA by art lovers including: Jeff Arch, Anthony Edwards & Mare Winningham, Kate Mulgrew, Bennett Zier, Heidi Winston Jensen, Rod and Anne Hare, Pimm and Jeannie Fox, and many others.