2018 Wood, Plaster Bandages, Clay, Acrylic Paint, Varnish 14 in x 10 in
2019 Clay, Acrylic Paint, Varnish 9 ¾ in x 7 ½ in x 3 ¼ in
2017 Clay and Underglaze 10 in x 5 in
2018 Clay and Underglaze 4 5/8 in x 8 ½ in x 4 ½ in
2018 Clay and Underglaze 11 in x 11 in x ½ in
2018 Cardstock Paper, Black Ink, Gel Pen 11 in x 8 ½ in
Ryan Ward
Being firmly rooted in Mimesis I utilize Classic material into my designs to convey contemporary topics. For example, a sculpture I created exalts gay parenting via Classic symbols for male and female, (Mars and Venus). Another work represents Phanes, the primordial God of Creation in Orphic Cosmology, painted with celestial depictions of stars and galaxies which in turn were inspired by photographs taken by the Hubble Telescope of deep space.
In all my works there exists a fusion between Classic and contemporary. To realize them I use a broad array of specific media for each of my pieces to achieve my desired visual appearance. So that the audience remains enthralled I do extensive, meticulous detailed work, encouraging the audience to take another look to see what they may have missed from before.
When people look at my art I want them to take away inspiration from my pieces so that they may develop individual ideas of their own. Additionally, I want them to walk away with a deeper love and appreciation for Mimesis. It is my express desire that my Classic pieces in this contemporary era should strike a chord and encourage others to pursue the beauty and ancient tradition of the realistic figure in art.