Art Chowder: What year did you retire?
Ron: I retired in 2008. After directing the very last scene of the very last film of Ed, Edd, and Eddy I put my pencil down. It was 50 years and 1 month since I first picked it up to animate a television commercial in Sydney. That was long enough for anyone. Now I’ m just doing my second act in life, doing paintings and going around the country selling them.
Art Chowder: What made you decide to start touring?
Ron: I didn’ t actually decide, as much as fall into it. When you paint, you like to show your paintings. When you show your paintings, you like to sell your paintings. That’ s true for every artist. It’ s as natural as 1-2-3.
Art Chowder: Do you have any advice for young artists?
Ron: Unless you want to be a school teacher, or work for the government, under no circumstances should you spend all the money necessary for a four-year art school. Go to art school long enough to control your pencil and your paint brush. Learn how to do that.
As a painter, above all, be true to yourself. If you’ re looking for a job in animation? Don’ t let them say“ No.” Knock on the door and tell them,“ You’ ve got to hire me.” When they say they don’ t have enough work right now, come back a week later. Knock on the door, tell them you’ ve got to work. Don’ t let them say“ No.” Then you’ ll be alright!
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