Ryan Held

Ryan Held’s paintings draw from the work of master expressionists while evoking a deeper understanding of what it means to move freely in space. Each piece is an uplifting abstraction of the feeling and the freedom of climbing through a three-dimensional space. Since childhood Ryan exercised his creativity through the movement of rock climbing. Now, he translates his love of the vertical world to the canvas. “I call it non-linear abstraction. Through the use of color, line and composition, levels of space are created simulating the infinite movements of life on this earth. Even something as simple as walking down the sidewalk can prove to be a total unique experience for everyone. “This notion came as a revelation to me after watching the intricacies of different climbers climbing the same route. Although the hand holds and foot placements are generally consistent, the extreme subtleties in body position, breath and awareness are ever changing and unique. My main purpose is to provide the viewer with a glimpse into this art of movement in the vertical realm by means of canvas and paint.”