We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ryan Renner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always been an artist. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been creating things. Whether if be painting, pottery, photography, sculpture… I have dabbled in many different artforms.

When my husband and I started our family, I became a stay at home mom. There was not a lot of time to create in those early days. It wasn’t until I had a bit of a meltdown after my second child was born that I realized I needed something for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a mother. But it is all-consuming and I gave everything I had and left nothing for me. Postpartum depression led to anxiety and panic attacks and I realized I needed an outlet.

Thankfully wood art found me as I was walking through a flea market with my family. I saw a simple, small piece that consisted of barn wood and preserved moss. The combination was so beautiful to me and I started thinking of how I could elaborate on this idea and put my own spin on it. That week I bought a table saw and taught myself how to use power tools. My first pieces were ROUGH. But with every piece, my cuts got better and I started coming up with more intricate designs. It became a saving grace for me. My Art Therapy. I continue to make my art because it gives me a sense of piece and purpose. I never expected to be able to make a living doing what I love. But I am hooked and I never want to stop.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I am Ryan.

A self taught Wood Mosaic Artist.

I found this artform in 2018 when I saw a simple 12″ x 12″ piece of wood art that consisted of barn wood and preserved moss. I loved the combination and simplicity of it. I had just decided I needed a break from my photography business and I was looking for something else to dive into. This little piece of art right in front of my face was the start of something. Something I never possibly imagined.

That week I bought a table saw and taught myself how to use tools. I quickly learned I needed a mitre saw and a brad nailer. My first wood mosaics were rough and simple but the more I made, the better I got. My cuts got better and I started getting more intricate with my designs. I began only working with reclaimed wood and materials from my area that would usually be tossed and not thought twice about. I take old thrown out wood and I give it a second chance. I make it beautiful again. Intricate, geometric patterns with carefully curated color palettes.

I love the creative freedom I have when making my art. Sometimes I have no plans at all. I head into my workshop, stare at a blank canvas and the designs and color palette appears in my mind. Other times I dream designs and have to quickly sketch it before it fades. And then there are Customs. I do offer custom and my clients and I work together to come up with the perfect piece for their space.

I’m always pushing myself whether it be by creating more difficult designs or introducing new materials in my work. It has taken me four years and hundreds of pieces to come up with my own unique, personal style. I have never wanted to be like anyone else. I just want to be me. I want people to see my art and know it’s a Birch + Bloom piece.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to express myself and have a safe outlet is huge for me. It’s always been about finding a way to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind and to ease my anxiety. But what I didn’t expect was the joy I get from OTHER people enjoying my art. When I get a messages from people all over the world saying they are inspired by my work… well, there is no other feeling like it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Oh my goodness… just be patient. It doesn’t happen overnight.

Be consistent and post what is relevant to you and your brand. Be true to yourself. Don’t get down on yourself if you are not seeing results right away.

One thing I like to do is write everyone back who comments or messages me. They are taking the time out of their day to comment on my art and I am very grateful for that. I want to show my appreciation so I write the each back individually.

Most importantly, don’t give up. The right people and accounts will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebirchandbloom.com
• Instagram: thebirchandbloom
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebirchandbloom

Image Credits
Ryan Renner