Artist Proof: Ryan Winch is a student at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, but is currently stationed in South Korea, serving our country in the Army. He plans on returning to SF when he is out of the military to finish what he started. His wife is a student of photography and is a great contributor to his work.
Artsprojekt: What inspires your art?
Ryan Winch: I have always been fascinated by the realm of fantasy and science fiction and the artists who work within the genre. When I draw, my mind always wonders into things not quite real. Often my pieces started out as some sort of study. It takes shape and grows without much of a plan. I only do thumbnails for large and specific projects.
AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work?
RW: I struggle with sticking to just one running style of work. I am still working on my own style. For me, the best way is to come up with that original idea for content and let your style evolve as you put your imagination to work. Every once in a while, if I like the way another artist did something such as water or a nose, I will copy just that one thing. I believe all artist do this to some extent
AP: Describe your first experience of making art and how it affected your life’s journey.
RW: I have been drawing off and on since I was in elementary, I always had a talent for it. Early in high school I chose the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. I couldn’t afford to go, so I joined the military. I deployed 3 times. I got out, went to the Academy for a year, and still couldn’t afford it. I returned to the military. Once complete I will return to the school to finish it for good come hell or high water; even if that water is made of huge debt.
AP: Describe your most recent experience of making art.
RW: I just recently became very interested in the digital creation of work. So far it has only meant coloring my sketches in photoshop with a very small tablet and my very small laptop. I have yet to create my own brushes. And then, off course, I digitally color poop and toilet paper for my other web page, but that’s a different thing entirely.
AP: Are you working on art for a upcoming show? Maybe a new product line or commission?
RW: No. I have several pieces in progress and others on hold. My current attention has been my job in the military. I am always thinking of new possibilities to the products. I spend some time every day to refine the work and improve the quality of my art. I have not been offered, nor have a sought for a commission.
AP: Does your time in the military influence your art?
RW: Absolutely. I got a great deal of practice drawing tattoos for comrades while in such places as Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. Tattoo design was never my main focus, but I’ve drawn many for soldiers along the way and it has definitely influenced my style.
