Tattooist Robert Ryan's Tree of Life

View more of Ryan's work at:

North American Gnostic Book of the Living

Witchy Windchime

Hoodoo Chime bamboo, wire, paper, hemp, bone, thread, metal chimes

Another creation from a few weeks back, it's looking and sounding good on our back porch. I'd been meaning to use up some scrap pieces of dried bamboo that I cut from some taller canes last summer, and since I happened to have some old chimes, wire and hoodoo bones layin' about, figured I'd put it all to use. 

I really like the dry woody tone the bamboo and bones make as they clatter together with the ethereal tinkle of the tiny metal chimes. It's been a real pleasure to listen to during the past few days of blustery stormy nights and breezy summer days.

The Scientist meets Ted Sirota's Heavyweight Dub

Very happy to announce my finished poster design for an amazing upcoming musical event. Jamaican dub reggae legend Hopeton Brown, better know as the Scientist, will be performing with Chicago musician Ted Sirota and his group, Heavyweight Dub. As an added bonus, my good buddy Mark Cooper's band Green Room Rockers will be opening up for this dub massive! This may be one of the only chances to catch this living legend of reggae music in Chicago, so be sure not to miss it!

As a huge fan of the Scientist and reggae music it has been an honor for me to be a part of this show, even if it's just doing this simple poster design. Can't wait for the show!



For more info on "the Scientist vs. Ted Sirota's Heavyweight Dub" album release that has been fully funded by kickstarter, follow the link.

 

K-9

Dug this up the other day while going through some older sketches and drawings. Nearly forgot about it as it was for an abandoned project, figured it deserves a chance to see the light of day.

 "K-9" pen and ink on watercolor paper

Loveland Farms, Brown County, IN

 

 

"Loveland Farms, Brown County, IN" watercolor on paper

Very pleased to post some images of a recent commission I've just completed for a friend's wedding. He and his fiance are both Hoosiers like myself, and when trying to think of a place that made sense for them to tie the knot, they felt there was no better place than the family farm in Brown County, IN. Amazing choice as it's one of the most beautiful spots in the country during the fall and throughout the year with it's rolling hills, covered bridges, farm fields,  and spectacular foliage. The final piece above will be used as the front image on postcard wedding invitations that will be sent out to guests and will hopefully find a nice spot in their home together!


                                             

sketch 1 ink on paper

 sketch 2 ink on paper 

 I worked out a few simple ink sketches based on his ideas and inspirations for the final image. Based on his suggestions, I was looking at some of J.R.R. Tolkien's watercolors and found the simple brushwork and bold colors to be a perfect way to exemplify the country folk aesthetic I believe he was looking for. Congrats to the couple, hope you like the piece!

Spring Sketch Book

Fear not, readers, if you're out there! I have not abandoned you! It has been some time since I've updated with any recent work, but I assure you I've been quite busy. 

While I have many commissioned pieces that I will be updating you on soon as well as some forthcoming paintings, I thought I would share some of the drawings that have been filling my sketch book of late. Many are in keeping with the automatic method I've been enjoying and some are simplistic thumbnails from objects at the Field Museum or the beginnings of ideas being worked out. Enjoy!

Planetary Kamea and Table of Jupiter Talisman: May 25th, 2013 Full Moon (in Sagittarius)

"Talisman" acrylic and tempera on wood panel

 Preliminary studies and sketches for completed talisman detailing sigular aspects and corresponding elements.

pencil and ink on paper