Artist paints to express, not impress

Drawing since he was old enough to hold a pencil, SCC artist Ryan Knoll appreciates the art in everything. That pencil has since then turned into a paintbrush, which helps his creativity flow.  

"Humans are the only animal capable of dancing," says Knoll. "There's a part of us that has to express ourselves." 

Knoll mainly paints realism, a painting that reveals what the eye can see, but says he likes to keep his paintings abstract. 

"The need to create and to put something out in the universe inspires my art," says Knoll. 

While sipping from a cup of hot tea, Knoll says he tries to convey a message in his art that can be easily seen.  One painting in particular, he calls "Envy." He says it depicts an unreachable goal.

"But as we get closer and closer to that goal it becomes abstract and that thing isn't what you really wanted," says Knoll. 

Some artists can sell their work for copious amounts of money but possibly at a cost to themselves.

"Right now, art is more of a hobby," says Knoll.  "I think when you're making art to sell, it turns out a lot different as opposed to trying to say something in your art."

There is something romantic about painting, says Knoll.  Starting off with a white, blank canvas and paint in tubes, going from nothing to beauty is something that Knoll finds idyllic. 

"I like to paint things that people can pull different ideas and feelings from," says Knoll.
Life, society, philosophy are all things Knoll tries to put onto his canvas. 

When Knoll isn't painting, he is self-employed, designing websites and currently images for education software.

"I hope not to be a starving artist. I have a couple businesses on the side that pay the bills," says Knoll.  "If I could paint as a career, I would be very thankful but wouldn't count on it."
"It doesn't really matter how good of an artist you are," says Knoll.  "The important thing is trying to express yourself, and share it with the world, whether it be poetry, music or photography."

"There's a part of us that has to express ourselves without using words.  If you want to paint, paint," He says.

Knoll takes one more swig from his tea.

"I know we are all not the best dancers, but I think there's a certain element to the human condition that in a way has to participate in it or any art." 

For more information on Ryan Knoll and his work, visit his gallery website at www.RyanKnoll.com.