He was a multi-media artist employing materials in both traditional and non-traditional ways, like oil on canvas, ink on paper, collage, with later works exploring the digital realm.

Born in 1932, Ferri began his career as a professional ice skater, which was cut short when he was called to service in the United States Air Force where he served for five years as a flight navigator with tours in Africa, England, Italy, and Spain.

After completing his service, he attended the Rhode Island School of Design, the Rochester Institute of Technology, New York University, and studied under Hans Hofmann at the Academie des Beaux Arts, Paris.

[7] Ron's art drew many prominent collectors to his work including the likes of Elsa Perretti, Jane Holzer, Egon Von Furstenberg, Pilar Crespi, Steve Rubell, Ian Schrager, Arnold Scassi, Elsa Martinelli, Jacqueline Stone, Oliver Stone, Carly Simon, Eileen & Jerry Ford, Asher Edelman, Elie de Rothschild, Pierre Schlumberger, Barbara Allen Kwiatkowski, Francois Catroux, Alberto Pinto, Valentino Garavani, Mr. & Mrs. Goulandris, Hubert Givenchy, Elle Macpherson and Jack Nicholson.

[9] Ron Ferri was a friend of Ian Schrager and Steve Rubbell, and played a large part in introducing them to the New York social set, such as the designer Halston and PR impresario Carmen D'Alessio, which led to the phenomenon of Studio 54.