Cory Oberndorfer is a grounded and stubborn artist with local roots, a humorous style, and a killer marketing plan. When someone in our nation’s capitol spies a monochromatic roller-girl splashed with pop-candy or fresh fruit, they know it’s an Oberndorfer.

Cory began his spirited art journey at Weber State University. In a personal interview with Cory, he admitted difficulty with gaining acceptance into Weber State’s undergrad art program. After getting rejected twice he was finally accepted into the undergrad program on his third attempt. When probed about how rejection affects him, Cory responded with, “It motivates me.”

Cory took full advantage of being involved with Weber State’s art program by initiating and becoming president of Weber’s first “Student Art Guild.” Cory’s Student Art Guild was specifically designed to get students involved in the art community outside of class work. Oberndorfer pushed for recognition and participation in local art galleries and exhibitions. In return for Cory’s community involvement effort, upon graduation, the new president of Weber State’s Art Guild created the Oberndorfer award to be presented annually to a student who lived up to the idea of “participation outside the classroom.”

Cory was accepted into American University, where he obtained his Masters of Fine Arts. This is where Cory began his fascination with Roller-Girls. His oversized luscious roller-girl murals entitled, “5FLAVORS, DC,” have been loudly displayed at the Katzen Art Center in Washington DC. The faculty at American University was not initially pleased with Cory’s early art choices and sternly recommended a change in course. Cory wasn’t having it and “stuck to his guns,” in the end proving his dissenters wrong. Cory’s professional background also includes being an adjunct professor with four different Universities. Oberndorfer has taught art classes at American University, Marymount University, Montgomery College, and Weber State University.

Title’s of Oberndorfer’s work range from “Lollipops and Ass Whoopings,” to “Maximum Thrust,” and “Sugar and Spice Derby Girls Aren’t Nice.” With such frank and suggestive language, I asked Cory, “How do you get art critics to take your work seriously?” He responded with, “It’s kind of a change for a lot of people. You don’t see a lot of humor in the art world. It’s surprisingly one of the last approaches of many people… For me I think I can drive my point home better with what people find amusing.” It’s no joke in my mind that Cory inspires and impresses many.

G Fine Art described Oberndorfer’s work as “mouthwatering in their candy inspired color schemes…” I would describe it as a palatable novelty of roller-girl delight. Cory has combined the usually misunderstood real sport of female roller-derby with its aggressive nature and brutal fashion with the opposite sweet and savory image of popular long time American confections in a complementary way.

Oberndorfer works in five different mediums including oversized murals, mixed media collages, paintings, and digital. When pressed about which medium Cory prefers, he responded with, “no preference.” He continued to explain that his work is intentionally flexible so every individual piece can, “exist in all scales.” Cory approaches his canvass like a marketing campaign so that when a person view’s an Oberndorfer it is immediately recognized despite the size or medium.  By using this distinguishable approach along with such an interesting and idiographic subject matter, Cory hopes to “brand an image” much like popular product campaigns used in today’s marketplace.

One glace at Oberndorfer’s work and you can assume one of his influences was Warhol. Other significant artists who sculpted Cory’s artistic vision include Roy Lichtenstein and Takashi Murakami.  You can witness Warhol’s monochromatic style, Lichtenstein’s fascination with the female form, and the randomness of Murakami in Oberndorfer’s craft. Originality is rare, so one can question if Oberndorfer’s labor is novel or nuance but it’s just as fascinating and introspective as the legends which garners respect.

I questioned Oberndorfer about what project he is considering next? Cory described his future enterprise as “moving away from the youthful and innocent roller-girls…something adult, more aggressive and grown up.” Cory included that he will continue teaching and hopes to make a living long term with both personal artwork and teaching. Some poignant advice Cory gave to burgeoning artists was, “Never make a career as an artist, once you accept that you can do pretty good.”

My personal interpretation of Oberndorfer’s work is whimsical and fun with a serious undertone along with a choice subject. I feel it a brilliant move to design a project flexible enough to conform to any medium including a business card. Cory’s craft is simple on the surface and his use of monochromatic tones seems rudimentary however, there has to be something else because I find myself staring and becoming lost in his work. I love it and I am not quite sure why? Is it the choice in subject matter, the fishnet stockings and roller-skates with short skirts and elbow pads? Maybe the combination of the female form mixed with a violent and aggressive sport balanced with light hues and sweet fruits is just so opposite but blended it perplexes the intellect.

I was first introduced to Oberndorfer’s art with an explanation from my sister. She construed to me that his subject was roller-girls and he is gaining acclaim in the DC area. I thought that would sound fun and crazy but how could anyone take his art serious. After finally viewing Cory’s contemplative, proficient, and discerning donnas’ geared up with semi-fetish garb and fused with delectable treats, I find the earnest talent refreshing, youthful and vibrant. I would assume Oberndorfer isn’t too far off from a cult like following.

Cory Oberndorfer is enjoying early success in his artistic career but it didn’t come without criticism and rejection. He will survive as an art teacher and I hope he can someday fulfill his dreams by making a living at something he advises others not to plan on. Oberndorfer is unassuming and sarcastic but his pure talent and balanced approach may someday lead him to become a household name. No easy task in the Art world or with a name like Oberndorfer.