Ryan Schulz

Website:

http://www.thestudioschulz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/studio_schulz/

Biography: 

Hawaii born artist, Ryan Schulz, has been developing illustrative functional ceramics since 2013.  His background in psychology and experience working in the food industry has heavily influenced his voice in clay; examining themes of cultural projection, escapism, and consumption within American pottery.

Ryan has shown in galleries across the nation and is currently featured with the Charlie Cummings Gallery in Gainesville, Florida.  He has worked as a studio assistant, artist in residence, studio manager, faculty and most recently, as the studio technician at Jacksonville University.  Currently Ryan is the Gallery and Studio Operations Manager for the School of Fine Arts and the Alexander Brest Gallery.

Artist Statement: 

In one word, my work focuses on escapism. Illustrations depicting the urgency of volcanic armageddon are softened through a whimsical and almost dismissive style.  In juxtaposition, the surrounding form undulates and drips with pressing urgency.  Like melting ice cream on a hot summer day, they beckon for immediate attention under the pressures of an ever-warming world.  This garnished, liquescent combination of elements exists to reflect our place in increasingly turbulent times, and measures taken to digest the increasingly unpalatable reality we face.