Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Pettis.
Ron, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in College Park, Georgia, at South West Medical Hospital, a hospital that has since been torn down, to Cynthia and Ronald Pettis. My parents were both very hard working, and with my father originating from a military family and my mother being the only girl of eight children in her family, It’s safe to say I grew up in a very hard nose and serious household. From a young age, I’ve always had an obsession with art. I was always sketching different characters I saw on tv, or even drawing a car that I believed I would own in the future. As a teen, I played every sport I could as a means to satisfy my frustrations that would, most times, span from my home life. So when I wasn’t on the fields or courts, I kept my mind focused on the beautiful things in life through photography, poetry, drawing, designing, and even tonsorial services (barbering). Before graduating high school, I signed a letter of intent to play basketball and football at Reinhardt University, majoring in biology in the attempt to please my parents’ desires of me becoming a doctor. After two years at the institute, I realized that my personal wants and needs were not being fulfilled as an artist. So I dropped out of Reinhardt and began designing clothing, doing photography, and cutting hair but not without the dismay of my parents. It has been a long journey and a lot of struggles that I was not able to mention in this segment to get to where I am currently in life, but I know my story will continue. I have a lot more losses to take, victories to count, and life to be thankful for in my mission on leaving a strong impact on this world.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am currently a barber in Sandy Springs, Georgia, as well as a profound photographer, and clothing designer.
I have different feelings and effects that radiate around each category of artistry that I create. In Barbering, I enjoying achieving a “wow” factor in the finished product. My mission is to make my clients ask “how did you do that” or “I can’t believe how perfect my hair looks” just before they leave my chair.
With photography, I enjoy giving my viewing audience an open-minded and creative outlook. I believe in order to achieve creative visual art; my audience should be able to visualize a story in their own heads. What the subject or model is thinking while the picture is being taken, what they did leading up to the photo, what are they feeling at that very moment, and what I want my viewing audience to feel are all very important factors of what makes my photography what it is.
finally, my fashion designs are based on my journey of life. On occasion, I create rugged street clothing. On other occasions, I create top notched, high-class casual wear.
I hope people can take away and relate to my artwork by means of realizing that it does not matter where a person starts from. Anything is possible as long as a person has a strong enough drive and desire to achieve their goals. No one can hold a person back, but themselves and obstacles that are in the way are only weights placed there to lift in order to get stronger.
Every aspect and form of artwork that I am involved in and committed to is an extension of myself and my story of life that I am still living.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I believe artists and artistry is alive and well, as it always was, and as it will remain to be due to their being art in everything an individual does throughout their day. I believe it’s easier for artists to thrive in this day and age because the world is slowly becoming more accepting and open-minded toward individuality and the way others perceive the world that surrounds them. In order to enhance and encourage art and artist. We could host more meetups/meet and greats between different types of artists in the city. Artists learn from other artists, so with that being said, why not introduce different forms of art to each other and create something incredible together.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Individuals can view my work and contact me through my social media accounts, stopping by my place of business, which is currently Classic Cuts Barbershop in Sandy Springs Georgia, or just simply sending me an email at ronaldpettis17@gmail.com. We can discuss clothing design ideas, photo shoot bookings, haircut appointments, or even to just talk about someone’s day. I am always open to new people and hearing what’s going on their lives and figuring out a way to lend a hand.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4047025785
- Email: ronaldpettis17@gmail.com
- Instagram: @youngearlyjohnson @kingtidethebarber @tidenchunk
Image Credit:
Taylor Pacol, Brittany Timpson, Avandre Johnson, Marley, Tyler Scott
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
