Welcome to
The Official Site of Artist Ryan Gilliam
Here you will find all the Artwork of Ryan Gilliam. Ryan worked in Art and Design, spanning a period of 30 years.
My Background
My Inspiration
My Background
I graduated Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999, with a BFA in Painting and Printmaking. Following my passion for Computer Design and Architecture, I ended up getting into the career field of design homes in the Central Virginia Area. Currently I operate a business called Gilliam Design that services Virginia and the Carolinas. Thoug
I graduated Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999, with a BFA in Painting and Printmaking. Following my passion for Computer Design and Architecture, I ended up getting into the career field of design homes in the Central Virginia Area. Currently I operate a business called Gilliam Design that services Virginia and the Carolinas. Though I have always never given up my interest in Art and have continued to draw, paint, and create in my spare time.
My Medium
My Inspiration
My Background
Mostly I use woodless graphite pencils and Copic ink pens, with a little watercolor, for the drawings. Large RIVES BFK is often my paper of choice. But many pieces start out smaller in sketchbooks, using the same medium. For paintings I prefer acrylic but will most likely opt to return to oil for at least a few pieces at any time. I use G
Mostly I use woodless graphite pencils and Copic ink pens, with a little watercolor, for the drawings. Large RIVES BFK is often my paper of choice. But many pieces start out smaller in sketchbooks, using the same medium. For paintings I prefer acrylic but will most likely opt to return to oil for at least a few pieces at any time. I use Gamblin and Windsor Newton Paints. -------------------------------------------------------- When creating sonic additions my instrument of choice is the electric guitar, of which I primarily use Gibson and Fender. I create ambient and unique sounds using Strymon, Earthquaker, and Walrus Audio pedals. I do experiment with several additional sounds and instruments, including the dulcimer, viola, and samples.
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
I was initially drawn to Surrealist and Impressionist painters, as well as trained under a few Abstract Painters. I became very enthralled by the writings of Marcel Duchamp and the Dadaist movement as well. It led me to try and work on a form of Art I often referred to as "Biomorphic Surrealism". Most of the parts in these drawings and p
I was initially drawn to Surrealist and Impressionist painters, as well as trained under a few Abstract Painters. I became very enthralled by the writings of Marcel Duchamp and the Dadaist movement as well. It led me to try and work on a form of Art I often referred to as "Biomorphic Surrealism". Most of the parts in these drawings and paintings were meant to be non de-script, yet have a certain type of texture and surface. This allowed the subject to consistently change upon each viewing, based on interpretation. Needing to push past this, in order to grow, I began to reach for more themed and recognizable imagery, and find the process to create something different and more concrete. I have a fascination with animals and the human figure, as well as cultures and folklore especially. Which brings me to where I am now, as I am attempting to pull from styles I haven't before, such as the Waterhouse Paintings of the late 19th century, in an attempt to give my work a new voice. The "Goddess Series" is one of the more well thought out, planned collections that I hope to complete, that tell a story and make a solid statement. In it's entirety, the series will not only be an audio experience, but a journalistic, literary, and sonic one as well, complete with writings and composed music to accompany the project. I was once told that "Art is work to the point of insanity" by a very knowledgeable local artist. In truth you have to put your all into it at every turn. It is this website that will document the progress of this and many other pieces to come.