Sophie Ryan
Sophie Ryan painting en plein air. Photo: Jake Brogden.
How would you describe your arts practice?
My artist’s practice is chaotic, colourful and full of energy.
What study (arts-related or otherwise) have you completed and has it influenced what or how you make art?
I studied Art History, Curatorship and Visual Arts at the Australian National University.
My degree allowed me to explore art more intensely and to work on creating my own painting style. This year, I have found my self stripping back what I learnt and practiced and uni and exploring painting as an act of joy, enjoying colour and painting from the heart.
What do you find most inspiring about your art space?
My art space is currently my balcony in my apartment. I think being outside not only helps [avoid breathing] the paint fumes and paint to dry quicker, but it also keeps my mind fresh.
What does a studio day in your life look like?
I feel so grateful when I have a whole day dedicated to painting time, in between jobs and life!
When I do get a whole day I like to start mid-morning I with some ground painting, blocking in background colours. I like to take lots of breaks because I have terrible posture when I paint so I need to walk around and stretch.
They say when you are in creative deep flow state the logical side of your brain becomes neglected. I can paint for hours without noticing and all of a sudden I’m so starving!
In the afternoon I tend to carve in more detail. Each painting takes about three to five sittings over a few days or weeks.
How have you grown as an artist since starting out?
I feel like I’m still starting out, but the more work I make the more interesting my paintings become. I pour so much love into my work and over the last year I have ensured that I keep this going.
What I have found so far is that you need to keep creating for the sake of creating, because you love it, because it's a part of you. Don't focus your creating around pleasing others.
The art world is a hard place, stay true to yourself and your creativity.
What would you say is the main driving force that compels you to make? For example, is it in the act of making or an idea or theme that you want to explore?
The act of painting and working with colour is such an important driving force for me. Without it I wouldn’t be me, or sane.
What do you read, watch, listen to or do to stay inspired?
My work at the moment is heavily landscape focused. I like to make sure I spend time outside in nature everyday. I take lots of photos and sketches of anything that sparks inspiration. Just taking the sunset in at the end of each day inspires me for the next day ahead.