Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Ryan.
Caroline, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Art has always been a part of my life. Since I was a little girl, I would spend my free-time drawing and imagining stories for the characters I would draw. As I got older, I had the opportunity to take art classes; through these art classes I was exposed to painting, which became my medium of choice. Despite loving art all of my life, when I entered college I was set on a career in psychology, however, after a few semesters of psychology classes, I started to miss art and decided to add a second major in painting. I continued balancing both subjects, but ultimately centered my focus back onto art. Now, as a recent graduate, I am continuing to paint and have plans of attending an MFA program in the near future.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work is centered upon themes of memory, family, and home. I utilize photographs as references for my paintings. One person I am constantly photographing is my father. My father had several strokes and has been living in a nursing home for the past several years due to the need for constant care. My father was never the most talkative man, but after having strokes, conversation with him is limited to small talk, if I’m lucky. The photographs I take of him become drawings and paintings, and are a way for me to connect with my father.
Most recently, I have been utilizing old family photographs and “found” photographs I have purchased from secondhand stores. As with the paintings of my father, this is another way for me to connect with my family, and even strangers. While making these paintings, I am reflecting on moments I often times, have no knowledge of (despite these being my family photographs.) In a sense, it is similar to the connection/lack thereof I have with photographs of strangers. By painting my old family photographs, and photographs of strangers, I am reflecting on memory and shared experiences. I am ultimately negating the purpose of the photograph, which is to capture a moment instantly, by engaging in the practice of painting — where I spend hours with the photo and the canvas.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
In my opinion, success as an artist means you are making art that is true to what you care for. In order for an artist to be successful, they need to hone in on what matters to them, and share this message through their art. Besides finding a message/thing you care for, productivity is the other characteristic that is essential to success as an artist. As long as you are doing at least something related to your work every day (whether that be watching a film, sketching, applying for shows/grants), you will progress and succeed as an artist.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The easiest way people can see my art is through my Instagram account; my Instagram handle is: carolinecryanart. I have participated in a few shows, and will have a painting in an upcoming show at the Beeville Art Museum. Any information for upcoming shows will also be posted on my Instagram account.
People can support my work by making a purchase through my Etsy shop (my shop is the same as my Instagram handle: carolinecryanart), or by commissioning me. I am open to making drawings, and paintings (watercolor, gouache, or acrylic). For information about pricing, you can email me at: caroline.c.ryan@hotmail.com
Contact Info:
- Email: caroline.c.ryan@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinecryanart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinecryanart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolinecryann
Image Credit:
All images by Caroline Ryan
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