Indy Arts Corner: Ryan Turner
This month we sat down with Ryan Turner, local Indianapolis painter, to find out about upcoming projects and get the inside scoop on how he got into the industry. We also settled the age old debate: Pop vs Soda
Ryan has been commissioned for several projects with Drea & Co., and he impresses our clients every time. His style oscillates anywhere between whimsical cartoon characters to lifelike portraits. Get into this guy’s talent. Peep the interview and some of his work below. To contact Ryan for your next project, reach out via email: rtsignature@gmail.com.
Describe your style of art in one word. Go!
Dope
How long have you been painting and sketching? Is this a new endeavor for you or something you have always done?
I've been sketching since as long as I can remember. Whether trying to imitate my brother's drawings or sketching on "love letters" in high school, it's always been a passion of mine.
What are your influences when it comes to painting? Any other artists, places or sounds that inspire you?
Honestly, I would have to say anything I think is "dope" influences me. I can be looking at anything and if it catches my eye, it'll make my wheels start turning. My family and close friends inspire me to do it. They ignite that "fire" in me.
A birdie told me that one of your paintings ended up in Chris Brown's home. We saw the Instagram post, very cool! Tell us how that went down?
Yep!! This is true. As far as how it happened?? I took a painting to him and Fetty Wap when they came in town last summer for a concert. Security wouldn't let me in with the paintings, so I reached out to someone that I knew could reach him. I sent it and waited to hear a response. Then, I look up one day and I open IG to see him dancing with my painting in the back. Definitely felt blessed to see that happen.
Tell us about some other projects you've worked on over the past year?
I've done a lot of projects throughout the last year. Too many to really count. Anytime someone asks me to do something, I get to it (Editors Note: He is being modest here. He forgot to mention murals at multiple schools and commercial sites, in addition to private commissions).
Any plans for upcoming exhibits or events?
I'm in the beginning stages of planning my next art show. Trying to figure out the proper location and then people will hear more about it (Editors Note: Ryan was recently selected as a presenting artist in the upcoming RAW: Indianapolis Presents VERVE Showcase. This is happening September 29, 2016 at 7 pm).
What's the best way to contact you for work? Do you have a website or IG handle?
The best way for someone to get a hold of me is through email, rtsignature@gmail.com. I plan on having my website very soon, but anybody can see my work on IG. Just search @rtsignature and you'll see a pic of me throwing one of my favorite shoes, the Reebok Shaq attaq, in the air!
We like to promote locals around here. Can you give us at least one other artist, photographer or just all around creative to look out for?
Artist: James Brown. He's a dope artist who is also class of '03 from North Central High School, like myself.
Photographer: Matthew Taylor Morgan.
Creative people: Kassim Norris, Rokstar from Nappyville and Jeremy Wallace. Those are three of the ugliest dudes I know, but definitely have crazy visions. They all are filming gods in my book because they really think outside the box.
Last question: Soda or Pop?
Neither. I'm a Capri Sun sippin' brotha from the hood! (Waits for you to publish this article so this last question can show my street cred)
Most appreciated Ryan! I suggest you all keep your Capri Suns on lock. Don't say we didn't warn you. Be on the look out for more posts featuring artists and creatives from Indiana... Later peeps.
Portrait Credit: Bradley Knight