How would you describe what you do?
I like to find metaphors in nature which I then portray as abstract paintings. My art tells stories of our connection between nature, selfhood, kinship, and community. It also creates connections: the way the art is exhibited is just as important as my need to make it. There is a bigger picture too, as intertwining narratives connect the different series of works I create.
When were you first drawn to the art you practise?
I started developing my ‘Long Grass’ series in 2016, and most of my works since have grown from there.
Where are you and your studio based?
I moved from inner Melbourne to the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula in 2018. I’d been painting prior to that from a studio I had on my father’s property in the same area (my dad, Gee (Gerald) Ryan, is an artist too). What I do is a reflection of being surrounded by nature. It’s not so much about the studio itself, but more about the location of the studio. I want to be submerged in the energy of the natural environment.
Did you study fine arts or are you self-taught?
My high school had a great art department, with some really inspiring art teachers, but it was during my year at the Brighton Bay Art, Design and Photography Program in Melbourne that I learnt the most. I loved every second of that year and still refer back to it now, over 20 years later. I studied a BA of Visual Arts: Graphic Design/Multimedia at the Arts Academy in Ballarat, which included electives like print making and life drawing. In retrospect, it was the art history lessons from all three institutions that had the most impact on developing the ideas behind my works.
What does a typical day in the studio involve?
I tend to have a bunch of projects going at any one time, so I always have options for what I’ll work on
What is your subject matter?
Nature, and the metaphors within it. We are all a part of it. And it’s a part of us. What materials do you use? I predominately work with acrylic. I also use aerosol in my works – I love the grain-like effect it can produce.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
My third Archibald Prize submission, as well as the fourth series of my “Cocoons”: a 12-year annual series of paired paintings that raise funds for my own art projects within the community. For the 13th year I plan to exhibit all the projects that “came out of the Cocoons”…how’s that for an example of finding the metaphor in nature?!
What one artwork would you add to your collection?
Cattle at Tallandbar, a small work painted by my father, Gee. It portrays a dry summer scene on my maternal grandparents’ farm near Wilson’s Promontory National Park in Victoria and is currently in the possession of my younger sister.
Above: Artist Charlie Ryan. Photo: TINTIN HEDBERG. Courtesy: the artist.
