Liz Ryan...

Artist Brilliant, colorful, full of vibrant motion and life, all this and more can be said of Liz Ryan's art. The extraordinary message of Liz Ryan's work celebrates the youthful exuberance in us all, evoking a passionate emotional response in the viewer. Liz's pieces rekindle the spark of innocence and capture the imagination, while still delivering the socially relevant, poignant themes that lead to discussion and dialogue, turning every day images into profound statements. The passion her work evokes is a phenomenon as audiences viewing her work have been noted to become emotionally overwhelmed in gallery exhibits. In such an exhibit in London, England, the city issued a proclamation, and named Liz Ryan the International A.A. Milne "Winnie the Pooh" art champion spokesperson for the year 2000, an honor rarely given to an American. This well publicized event was televised on the BBC in Britain, and NBC and CNN in the United States.

"Life is to be shared and enjoyed" is the theme prevalent in Liz's work. The inspiration and love people give to one another is seldom in vain. Liz's work is based on this truth.

Liz's story can be found in each brush stroke, in the turbulent coming of age and the integrity and spiritual awakening of this 27 year old artist. She picked up her paint brush and transformed herself through her art, a transition that gave resounding volume to a once muted voice. Now that voice has so much to say about love, consciousness, beauty, pain and resourcefulness of the human spirit.

As aptly stated by Philo Barnhardt, creator of books for Disney Publishing: "Liz's (artwork) is the point where imagination and creativity integrate into a celebration of everyday life." Liz's work in the community and one-on-one mentorship of troubled youth through art is also an important and inspiring component fueling her art. Liz Ryan's large mural piece "American Pride" inspired an Art Forum article, whilst the Los Angeles Unified School District presented her with a "Distinguished Person" award at a luncheon in her honor.

Liz Ryan's work has also been seen in advertisements, children's books, feature films, and television. These include: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "My So Called Life" with Claire Danes, "Dangerous Minds" with Michelle Pfeiffer, "Judge Judy", and most recently at the E! Entertainment Network's televised "Star-Studded Gala."

Remarkably, all this comes from a young woman with no formal art history training, having educated herself at libraries and bookstores, painting since she was a young child in front of the television, and from comic books. Born to an immigrant family in East Los Angeles, she grew up shy and introverted. Although she has only been in the art scene for three years she is a rising star who has accomplished more than most artists achieve in their lifetime.

Liz Ryan Phone / Fax: 323 953 9796 E-mail: tryanca@earthlink.net