London Profile: Rob Ryan

Earlier this month I posted about the mind-blowing talent of London based artist Rob Ryan. After reading through his responses below, I’m even more intrigued – and infatuated. Rob comes across as such a humble and honest man; a true gentleman that creates art to truly express who he is and inject beauty into this world.

I find so much inspiration in his gift of art, and I can’t wait to continue following his work. Thank you, Rob, for sharing your heart [and machine-like paper cutting hands] and for the honor of profiling you.


On average, how long does one paper-cutting take to complete?
If it's quite small then sometimes a day, but the one I'm working on right now, which is 580x700mm, will end up being about 60-70 hours solid.


Do you do everything by hand or have you created die cuts to help create some of the intricate cutouts?
Well, I do have an assistant who helps me with some cutting. I have never used die cuts but have had lots of laser cuts used for invites etc. I first used laser cutting when I did the cover for Issue 2 of Amelia's Magazine. I've had a steel wallpaper cut out by water jet.


What companies have you collaborated with?
Paul Smith, LG, Daimaru (Japan), Liberty, Roxy Quicksilver, Bloomsbury Publishing, Kolon Manstar Project Alabama, Sazaty / Afternoon Tea, Fenchurch, UK Vogue, Snowberry, Rough Trade Records and loads more, I'm really lucky to always be really busy!





What has been your favorite collaboration so far? Is there anything you've been longing to create for a specific company?
Paul Smith I've worked with for a few projects now and the final products are always really beautiful and he is a lovely man. I don't know about really wanting to work with any specific company but I would pay good money to sharpen Maria Kalman's pencils - she is unbelievable!



What's your favorite source for inspiration?
Being alone and Feeling alone and just looking at things and thinking.

What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on a children's picture book and doing lots of book jackets. I am working on a jewelry project with the beautiful and brilliant Rosie and Harriet of Tatty Devine - culminating in a show at their shop in April - EXCITING!!!!! And possibly a ceramic project with an American company.

What artists have influenced you and how?
I don't know really. I do love Titian + Raphael & those guys, I loved Dufy when I was at College years ago. I love English illustration from the 30's, 40's and 50's because it was so closely linked with the printmaking crafts which is my background , guys like Eric Ravilious, Edward Dawden, Eric Frazer, etc.

What other interests do you have?
Bike riding; collecting, listening to & dancing to soul records.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I'm really needy and insecure and I straighten my hair occasionally (why shouldn't a man look pretty too!!!).

What is your greatest accomplishment?
My daughters Maria + Barbara.