Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Bautista.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As an artist, there was always something in me I felt I had to break away from. Growing up you’re not always sure what that is. Being a son of Filipino immigrants you learn to toe the line between security and your dreams. As Asian Americans know, we carry our family name every time we walk into a room. We often find careers that provide equal amounts of stability and pride, and if you can afford it – happiness. So that’s what I did, I graduated with a BA in Business from LMU but allowed myself a Studio Arts minor. I got a job and an MS in Business Analytics from UCI but worked hard to make sure it was in a creative environment so I spent my career in the entertainment industry at major Hollywood studios. Throughout all this, I’ve continued to practice the arts – abstract painting, 3D design, graphic design, photography, and collage art. When the world stopped in March of 2020, I was reminded how precious life was and leaned into my artistic passions. Thanks to my wife she reminded me how much collage art gave me life – so imposter syndrome aside, I began to submit to exhibitions.
One day, I shakily opened an email and found that the Los Angeles Lakers accepted me as 1 of 15 artists to be featured at their “In the Paint” exhibition led by world-renowned fine artist Charly Palmer. The journey was frenetic, reaching a crescendo when the Los Angeles Lakers walked into a gallery and bought all of my pieces. It was surreal but didn’t end there, Carmelo Anthony when asked on Instagram who his favorite artist was tagged my name. I continued to be featured at the Band of Vices gallery in LA, the Irvine Fine Arts Center and the Other Art Fair in LA set for March 2023. I strive every day to continue this dream all while having a traditional 9-5. This journey gave me permission to be creative so I continue to lean into it – so as a fashion fan in the middle of reading a biography on Alexander McQueen, I took up my grandma’s sewing machine and dared to imitate designers I admired. First making tote bags, then skirts, and finally the wedding dress for my wife. I strive for an exemplary art career but more importantly a community that truly sees me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been easy, primarily due to the constant questioning of my path given my cultural background. As a Filipino-American, becoming a fine artist is not a career option and to this day recognized but not fully supported. Doctor, nurse, engineer, lawyer – yes, but not this. It’s difficult enough to convince yourself you’re capable, better yet an entire group of people. This isn’t to discredit them, there is value in the community Eastern cultures nourish and value in the individualism Western cultures nourish.
But where does being too Asian for America and too American for Asia leave you? Ironically, this is where I feel my art speaks volumes. I aim to amplify these types of identities because I refuse to believe I’m alone in this gray space. I’m obsessed with “in-between” feelings, which are expressed in my color palette because the world is not black and white. Sadness and hope can coexist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My art explores the complexities of identity in collages and mixed-media paintings. I often meditate on the impact that personal experiences have on shaping one’s character and outlook on life. Nature and pop culture figures are familiar themes in my portfolio. My collage and mixed-media works are known to use such elements as flowers, honeybees, and monarch butterflies that I juxtapose with unusual associations including cars, skulls, and retro technology from the 1990s. As the son of immigrants, I’m fascinated with change whether it be cultural or societal. My interests include the fascinating worlds of fashion, science fiction, and technology enabling me to use vintage and modern design elements to create and build upon my unique perspectives.
What I’m most proud of is that I’m proof that it’s never too late to nurture your talents and achieve great things such as my artist feature with the NBA/Los Angeles Lakers. Sometimes the hardest person to convince that you have talent is yourself.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risks are necessary as an emerging artist. You need to be able to put yourself out there and handle public criticism – the good and the bad. For me, because my work is so personal it can feel like a risk every time one of my paintings is submitted or hung on a wall. This also applies to my art itself.
My art is constantly evolving so regardless if something “sells” I always make sure to take the risk of changing my style when I see it necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanbautistaart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbdesigns
- Other: https://www.nba.com/lakers/in-the-paint/artist-ryan-bautista
