About
Not Your Ordinary Artist
Artist’s Statement
I believe in artworks based on spontaneous inspiration. Each work I create is approached from a unique perspective. Being a self-taught artist I don’t play by the rules. I don’t even know the rules! Relying on instincts and personal perspectives within an adventurous and experimental manner is central to my processes. It is possible to track my movement from an isolated creative, working at a distance from her work, to one working in a realistic abstraction style, with a touch of surrealism; revealing emotions through, often kaleidoscopic, colour, strong bold brush strokes.
Since an early age, reading faces and body language to discover secrets and predict actions has been a fascination of mine. Representing minimalist observations through art seemed natural. Marks and strokes, shapes and colours suggest rather than dictate the meaning behind the content.
Despite painting, drawing and sketching daily, it took a while to clarify the type of artist I was. An independent attitude demanded research, investigation, experimentation to enable flourishing outside the world of art. Mixing and matching, moulding and managing beliefs about the eternal questions of almost every artist: What is art?
I’m passionate about my independence and possess the previous experiences to know-how to make it benefit me. . Since 2016, I’ve been lucky to maintain my practices without any type of paid work. Before that, I'd had just a few wonderful careers. Each one of them taught me something I'm benefiting from now.
In addition to my daily art practices, I made an effort to expand my knowledge, information and concepts through attending workshops, conferences and seminars. This is how I’m able to keep fresh, willing to be brave and avoid becoming staid. Contact me to find out more about how I work and the services I provide. I look forward to hearing from you. Download a short, informative pdf document below.
Past Exhibitions
Strategic Collaborations
As a professional artist since 2000, I’m dedicated to work on daunting paintings almost constantly; pushing myself to the limits. How far can I go? That is the Question. Understanding what I need to get me to the next level, lets me get a better sense of who I am as an artists. I become stronger because of it.
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum
Facing It
From the exhibition site:
In this series of work Jennifer Ryan documents her artistic development – from an isolated creative working at a distance from her work to becoming emotionally engaged in the creative process, bringing aspects of her own story to each image created. Progressing her practice through research and experimentation Ryan has developed an abstract style that uses marks, shapes and colour to suggest the emotions in the subjects she perceives. As an observer of people and behaviour she finds the focus of her passion turning to women and the secrets they hold in their everyday lives.
Solitary Freedoms
From the site: Life through Jen's artist eyes. RM Williams Centre presents a new Exhibition [Solitary Freedoms] by Queensland artist Jennifer M Ryan. he RM Williams Education Learning Centre (RMW) will present a major exhibition of works by celebrated artist and painter (b. 1954, Pemberton, Western Australia). The first exhibition in the in the RMW for a while, Ryan's floral abstract works, compositions in oil paint, acrylic and pastels, and realistic abstract works on paper in canvas that explores life through Jen's artist eyes, that showcases the most considerable kaleidoscopic and portrait collection Ryan has exhibited.
My Rhupus Life
Gladstone Community Centre, 2019. February to May
"Welcoming Intercultural Neighbours Inc. (WIN) is a non-for-profit organisation that supports the culturally diverse Central Queensland population. WIN was established to assist new residents and their families to integrate confidently into their communities. We aim to create a well-integrated intercultural diverse community, where people are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their community.
WIN is pleased to provide this letter of support to Jenifer Ryan and her project “My Rhupus Life”. We believe this project is an important individual story that exposes an almost secret side effect, community perceived weakness/failure, of invisible illnesses, and reframes perceptions by showcasing the strength, flexibility and exceptional character traits required to main a sense of self that is acceptable and recognisable.
WIN operates the Gladstone Inclusion Centre and understand that all stories of resilience and life are an important part of what our Centre and organisation wishes to advocate and support. We are very pleased that Jennifer has chosen our venue to showcase her work and life story."