Meet Liv Ryan

We recently connected with Liv Ryan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Liv, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Out of sight out of mind has always been something I live by. This mindset has allowed me to propel myself forward even in the darkest of times. Growing up in New York, I was toughened from a young age. They always say “New York Strong.” You’re expose to so much, both good and bad- however the worst things, all the harsh realities of life you witness, you learn to tune out. As an 8th grade I witnessed a friend of mine get abducted- this turned into a three year long court case and eventually lead to his self harm and passing. All I could be in those moments were strong, as these dark realities of life were revealed to me. You learn life continues and so does your work.
Later in life I lost my older brother, a type of grief i had yet to experience. My grief has shaped every part of who i am and the choices i make today. This is my one life to live, and i have to live each day with my best intentions. Who do i want to surround myself with, what do i want to be doing, how do i want to be perceived. I work hard for myself, to meet my own goals, and when i am in the flow i carry the out of sight out of mind mentality. I try to give my mind a break from the loses that have come and gone, that are carried with me on the daily. My grief puts everything else in perspective and shows me i am capable of a lot, forward motion is the only way to mend the wound.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Liv Ryan, I am a Brooklyn Born and based artist and designer whose work explores the boundaries between mediums. My knowledge of art, architecture, photography and sound has played a major role in the investigation of sculptural shapes, structures and subtle texture through various mediums. My work proves that creativity is not defined by one single art form, it is something that is an extension of you, aesthetic is carried over through many facets. I wish to create a lifestyle, a world for individuals to take part, rooted in sustainability and community and education. My work is produced in my studio in Redhook, BK with deadstock, vintage or sustainable textiles.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. resilience
2. authenticity
3. action

These are three qualities i have carried with my as my career as grown and shifted. A friend of mine shared a quote with me that resonated- It says something a long the liens of “In an age of visual shouting, whispering is most effective.” There is too much noise these days with social media etc- we must stay connected and be quiet with ourselves so we can promote authenticity instead of creating based off of what else is trending. Put blinders up and just create- doing and putting things out is the biggest battle, but something i have learned is just to continue to make, it doesnt have to be a final product to share it with the world.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My community is huge for me- so many people to name. I would have to say my parents are my ride or dies and rocks along side me. Both my parents are artist and have worked in the art world for many years. Not only do they have resilience like no other, they have a creative sensibility that i have adopted to be my own. I would not be who i am with out them. They’ve always supported me and my endeavors, with constructive feedback and definitely criticism. They’ve always taught me not to compare and to focus on being the best version of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livryannyc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livryannyc/

Image Credits

Liv Ryan