Matthew Ronay works alone, and every aspect of his sculptural work is crafted by the artist in his large studio in Queens, New York. Aside from machines such as oversized dental drills and ribbon saws, materials like basswood, an extensive collection of dyes, and a collection of his own sketchbooks, the artist maintains an extensive library of art catalogs that he frequently consults.
Ronay’s interests are wide-ranging, from Bonnard to Aztec artifacts, from Tanguy to Japanese architecture, from true crime to Courbet. Ronay’s creations traverse various artistic styles, drawing inspiration from Henry Moore sculptures, Isamu Noguchi’s playful shapes, Viennese Art Nouveau, and California Hippie culture.
On weekdays, Ronay dedicates 31 minutes and 33 seconds to meditation before cycling to his studio. The series of four “Modal Modules” at Three Star Books combines the artist’s routine, blending self-introspection and sculptural work, charting the path used for different kinds of meditations, and offering insight into the philosophy behind his creations.
For Three Star Books, Matthew Ronay conceived these four pop-up mini theaters, or “tunnel books,” as tools for personal reflection. The intricate designs and multiple layers of pages, laser-cut according to Ronay's specifications, are hand-colored with a wide array of acrylic hues, resulting in captivating visual experiences. Each project is housed in a custom slipcase box, and the colophons feature Ronay’s original typeface, adapted from a font designed by Austrian artist Alfred Roller in 1903.
Tunnel books, also known as peepshow books, have been known since the mid-18th century. They typically consist of several pages made of cardstock, each with cut-out shapes that reveal the layers beneath and are mounted with two accordion strips. When viewed from the front, these cut-out shapes give the illusion of a scene with depth and movement.
Three Star Books extends its gratitude to Sofie Gyrd-Hansen for her skilled and devoted assistance in producing the Modal Modules.