How: Lori Ryker, Studio Ryker

What is it that you make? I am both trained as an architect and practice as well as work as an artist. The gallery at studioryker hosts my artwork as well as the art and craft of other wonderful artists in a pop-up show format.
 
 What kind of materials/mediums do you use?
With my current artwork I work in soft pastel and also make monoprints with a press. Monoprint is a singular print process, where each work is unique, like a painting.

What is your process?
My working process is different depending on the medium, monoprints are more “abstract expressionist” in that there is not a recognizable form in the work, instead more of an emotional expression is conveyed through color and figure. The soft pastels are more representational and focus on nature, both in details and larger landscapes.  Both mediums allow me to focus on the experience of nature, through different modes of expression.

How do you pick your subject matter? I spend a lot of time outside, my work is inspired from these experiences. Sometimes the inspiration is direct and immediate from a particular experience, other times the inspiration is cumulative from experiencing the same place many times.
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What is the most important element of what you do? I love the opportunity art provides to connect with experiences and the world in a deep and contemplative way through expression.

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