Ryan Jacob Smith : Valentiger Interview July 2006

s for a quick 'roots & fruits' question: How has the transition from Orange County to Portland affected your work?

I moved to Portland, Oregon from Pasadena, California (which isn't Orange
County, but still Southern California). The transition was, for the most
part, very easy. I fell in love with this city on my first visit, three
years ago. As far as my work, I have been painting more elements of
nature, organic branches, etc. My painting has simplified a bit. I've
mellowed out; things are freer flowing now.

Your work seems to be a rebus of personal motifs; are your works an
intimate narrative; how is survival expressed in your work?

The work I have been doing in the past few years has been more of an
intimate narrative. I have been using certain personal symbols more and
more to where I could use this language to express survival. Survival not in the intense "dog eat dog" killing other each way. Rather, just
surviving, being here right now: living, going through heavy shit, and
still move on. Progress, to become stronger, learn from mistakes, and
enjoy (and remember) the great times and have optimism for the times to
come. These themes are expressed through branches (which resemble) arteries and veins, crystals, birds, moths and anvils. Each of these elements represents the beauty of life, a hardship or both.

Where does the medical reference inspiration come from?From your pallet to your retro/illustration influences to your technique ,
your work has a sense of 'vintage'. What are your motivations?

I have always had a love for the "vintage" as far as I could remember.
Finding ephemera from decades ago, was pretty amazing to me because I
didn't see it everyday. I respected (and still do respect) the beauty
from the past. The sense of history was (and is) appealing to me because
this object was produced years before I was born and here I am looking atit and I'm affected by its beauty. Vintage is still like a treasure;
finding something that you can't get everywhere is special to me.

Is there a technique that you have discovered to be personally
groundbreaking to your work or style?

In Art Center I learned that you could cut and peel the first layer of illustration board that blew my mind. I always loved collage and painting. After I found out about that, I could cut out and collage my paintings. Oh yeah, another thing, i love tinting a painting with Luma ink. That rules too. Thank you Jason Holley and Rob Clayton.

What are your favorite ephemera?

Science books. Mostly the TimeLife ones. I almost have them all. Recently I got into stamp collecting, not for the value, but for the beauty. Old post cards are pretty amazing, I'm starting to collect them too. A side note, every time I open a (new or old) book, record, or a CD I have to smell it. I have certain favorites.

Do you ever include hidden messages (Easter eggs) into your work? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_egg_(virtual )

Not really, but I should. I want to hide the Misfits crimson skull in paintings, that would be rad. I do title some pieces after song titles and inside jokes.

What are the unconscious aspects of your work?

I have been painting in a lot of velvet and light purples, I have no
reason why, I just like that pallet right now. Does that mean something? I also think I have been unconsciously referencing old tattoo flash. Wait,
now I'm conscious of it.

Greatest influence: video game, cartoon, or comic. Why/what?

Well, I'm referencing cartoons when I paint the anvils, you know, when they are dropped on someone. So, I would have to say, cartoons. For sure. Well, comics too. I was waaaaaay into X-Men. I'm not so much into video
games. Bust-A-Move is fun.

Are there any newer artists that you enjoy, or that you would consider to be new heavyweights?

Justin B. Williams is a fine young man who recently moved from Portland to Vancouver B.C. This kid is an awesome dude, really funny. He work is great, it's so natural and organic subconscious drawing. Check him out in the Old Growth Journal.

If there would to be a soundtrack to your work, what would it be?

"End on End" by Rites Of Spring, still an amazing record.

If you were given an entry into the 'Famous Artists Quotes' book.would you
have one to add?

"So a pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel attached to his
crotch. The bartender asked "what is that for?". The Pirate replies "YAR,
i don't know but it's driving me balls!" Ok, seriously. How about this
one: "Moths are girls with glasses"