Here is my current Bio:

BIO: Richard Van Over (aka R. Van Over)

1988 -1992 Richard studied painting and print at Cleveland Institute of Art.  While attending CIA Richard had the privilege of studying under Op Art pioneer, Julian Stanczak.  

During his time at Cleveland Institute of Art, Richard and fellow CIA students founded the guerilla art group ‘ART WITHOUT WALLS’ which created group shows throughout Ohio, PA and NY in vacant warehouse spaces.

The group was given an award for their mural on 4^th street in downtown Cleveland by the Ohio Arts Council

1995 - Richard was curator for “Horsehead - A Celebration of Sculpture” which originated in Seattle. The exhibition featured Cleveland and Seattle based sculptors.

1996 - Richard moved to California after being hired by Lexington Scenery and Props, where he began his sculpting career.

Sculpting larger then life pieces for theme parks and casinos. Richard quickly became a lead sculptor for the company on such jobs as Apollo building at Kennedy Space Center and Sears Tower observation deck.

During this time he also opened a small Garage kit studio called Raven Studios.

1997- After leaving Lexington, Richard began working as a special effects sculptor, working on movie and commercial projects. Richard worked with Doug White Effects, Ultimate Effects, Vincent Guastini Productions, Cyber Effects and Tony Gardner on such movies as ‘Blade’, ‘Dogma’, ‘Three Kings’, ‘Stir of Echoes’ and League of Extraordinary Gentleman, and countless TV commercial.

Richard also moonlighted as a freelance sculptor.

Sculpting 13’ tall bronze Ark doors for Stephen S. Wise Temple Los Angles, CA and a 8’ x 5’ Greek Relief bronze which was to be placed above Barbra Streisand’s mantle.

1998 - Richard was hired on as a sculptor at Disney Imagineering. Richard became a lead sculptor working on featured projects for Port Discovery and Indiana Jones Tokyo, Disney and several featured sculptures for Disneyland and California Adventure - Anaheim, CA.

Richard attended Video Symphony School, courtesy of Disney Imagineering, to learn 3D modeling and animation techniques.

1999 – Richard studied 2D cel animation at Glendale Community College in CA,

under the direction of well known animator Fred Crippen.

1999-2000 Richard worked for Gentle Giant Studios a toy prototyping company in Burbank, CA, as a sculptor. During his time at Gentle Giant Richard became a Lead Toy sculptor/Senior Image Archives Controller/ Department Head of all life size projects for the Gentle Giant. Richard created a full size version of Sully and Mike from Monsters Inc. for theaters and Toy R Us stores. Richard was part of the Gentle Giant management to present a set of the full size figures to Pixar at their studio in Emeryville, CA.

After leaving Gentle Giant Richard opened Wheaty Wheat Studios a toy prototyping and manufacturing company, in North Hollywood, CA. Wheaty Wheat became well known for their production of Designer Vinyl Art Toys. Richard ran the company from 2001 until it’s close in 2009. He produced Designer Vinyl and worked with well known Artists John Kricfalusi creator of Ren and Stimpy, Scott Campbell creator of Danger Girl and well know comic book artist, as well as Artists/Graphic Designers Joe Ledbetter, MAD, Katie Olivas, Chris Lee and Andrew Bell. Wheaty Wheat also created quite a few licensed products and life size figures including Kung Fu Panda, Power Rangers and Spiderman.

Richard’s Designer Vinyl and personal works of art have been featured in many Art books, publications, and DVD’s.  Toy Fare, Dot Dot Dash, I am Plastic, MTV Toys - New Designs from the Art Revolution, Full Vinyl and Clutter magazine to name a few and feature interviews on G4 TV.

Wheaty Wheat Studios was awarded Vinyl Toy of the Year for 2005/2006

2006-08 Richard partnered with Ben Goresky to start Vinyl Toy Network (now called Designer Con) an Annual Designer Vinyl Convention in Pasadena, CA  During that time they also produced a rogue Urban Vinyl Show event in San Diego during Comic Con Called The Urban Underground Project.

2008 Wheaty Wheat Studios/Joe Ledbetter Mr Bunny roto cast Vinyl (yellow version) limited to 400 units worldwide sold for $1000 at Christie’s Action House

Currently Wheaty Wheat Designer Vinyl pieces remain among the highest priced and sought after Art Toys on the aftermarket.

Richard is presently is the Owner and Curator for his Gallery VANOVER FINE ARTS, which opened Nov 2010 with ”Of Fish and Fowl” featuring artwork by well known artist Derek Hess

Richard Van Over is also a full time artist and an active freelances sculptor.

Recent Shows:

2013   ‘ Evil Ohio Show’ Breakneck Gallery - Cleveland, OH

2012   ‘Artist Among Us II’ - Burchfield Penny Museum - Buffalo, NY

2011   ‘Random Acts of Art’ - VanOver Fine Arts - Springville, NY

2008   ‘Toy Crazy’ - Cameron Art Museum - Wilmington, NC

2008   ‘Mega Gwin Custom Show’ - Alpha Cult Long Beach, CA

2007   ‘Vinyl Elements’ Custom Show – Barracuda, LA.,CA

2006   ‘Sneaker Pimps Show - Aerosol Warfare Gallery - Houston, TX

2006   ‘ Back in the Day Show’- L Street Gallery - San Diego, CA

2006   ‘The Chubby Bunny Show’ - Nucleus Gallery - Alhambra, CA

2006   ‘BB Birdy Custom Show’ -  Munky King  LA, CA

2005   ‘MADL 2K5 Show’- Oulous Repair Shop Gallery LA, CA