We recently connected with Ryan Mayall and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

“When I began painting, it felt like I tapped into something beyond my control. Art became my way to connect with inspiration, emotions, spirituality and creativity itself. Though there’s a backstory to my journey, it felt like inevitable threads weaving into my path as an artist. Each stroke on the canvas feels like a link to something greater, guiding me in ways I may not fully understand. Reflecting now, I see that art wasn’t a decision I actively made; it was a path that found me. Accepting this has given my life purpose and satisfaction, allowing me to express myself and interpret experiences meaningfully. So, while there’s a backstory, I didn’t feel like I had much choice – art simply chose me, and I’m grateful for it.”

Ryan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The backstory, in short, goes as so. Failed engagement/marriage, writing, and poetry gave me the tools for self-realization and working through heavy emotions. Through poetry, I connected to others, which ignited the fire to paint.

I went to a dear friend’s house, and she was working on a painting on her island in the kitchen. She poured some paint on the canvas and said, “Oh wow, it looks like an elephant!” -that was the moment I truly realized beauty was in the eye of the beholder and that I could create a beautiful life through imagination and perspective. We drank too much, lol, so I went home the next day and stopped by Michaels to get the cheapest 12-pack of craft paint, some black, and a big brush. I snagged some reproduction artwork off my bedroom wall from Earthbound, painted it black, and pressed two canvases together to thin the paint to speed the drying process because I just wanted to paint and try it out. I poured an array of colors on this thing, tilted, shook, and whipped it around, dragged some sticks through it, and just started crying as I let my imagination create all these beautiful things I saw. It was cathartic and has now become one of my most outstanding teachers of self-realization.

I had a passion for writing and poetry, but I felt restricted by the fact that it only spoke one language, limiting the audience I could connect with and relate stories to. Painting is a universal language, and with texture, even blind people can have an experience through art. Knowing the power of self-awareness and realization through my work, I never thought about giving up and not pursuing my professional life for my lifetime.

What do I provide?

Art. Painting for now, but as I expand my studio, sculptures will materialize at some point. The majority of my paintings are quite large. Early on, I began making my own brushes. They range from 18 inches to 72 inches. After about a year of painting, I realized that on the first day, I used a mono-printing technique that allowed me to produce work as fast as my mind thought. That process is used presently. I’m inspired by art that consumes you and your peripheral. In the beginning, my work turned pain into beauty. Sure, suffering still exists, and work can transmute from that energy, but after time, it just becomes second nature. Like, “I’m about to go play on the playground and explore and discover new ways to have fun.” There’s always an opportunity for self-realization in the timelessness between breaths, but elements of stories within the art trigger self-inquiry. My favorite viewers are children who have untainted minds and broad imaginations. Presence and play are the foundation of the process of creating my art, and it’s very childlike and transcendent, as it is for almost every artist I have read stories about.”

What sets me apart?

That’s a good question that can be complex to answer. When considering authenticity and originality in our work, I often reflect on the balance between drawing inspiration from others and staying true to our unique artistic voice. While there’s value in acknowledging the influence of established artists, I believe it’s essential to carve our own path rather than simply replicating what’s already been done. As aspiring full-time artists, it’s natural to seek success and recognition, but not at the cost of compromising our artistic integrity. Our aim should be to create work that resonates deeply with those who appreciate our individual perspective and authenticity, rather than trying to please everyone. By staying true to ourselves, we attract a genuine connection with our audience, fostering meaningful engagement beyond mere surface appreciation.

Main things I want people to know?

You are capable of more than you are probably dreaming of. Most of this world is a product of our imagination.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

For viewers to slow down, see with the eyes of their inner child, and play. With the rapid advance of technology, many are losing the ability to think and live for themselves and escape reality. I’m guilty. There are about 20 movie streaming platforms on TV now, and it’s too easy to check out of life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist, what I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to continuously discover myself, shape my reality, widen perspectives, and encourage others to freely express their creativity in any medium they prefer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ryanmayall.com
• Instagram: @onemayall
• Facebook: @RyanMayall

Image Credits
White jumpsuit photos – Miss Emerica Green Jumpsuit photos – Will Hepburn Photography