together to create gradation. Using this style repeatedly throughout his work is symbolic of the idea that all things in nature share the same fundamental building blocks, a theme that Ryan seeks to explore in his work. Despite trying to be as random as possible in the application of marks, he finds that similar patterns and order arises, just as the seeming randomness of nature can beget repeated uniformity. The patterns created with this stippling method help the viewer to have an increased awareness of similar foundations in both his artwork and their future observations of nature.

“It can be assumed that this fundamental need to apply patterns and reason to the world around us is the stepping-stone to another uniquely human trait — the ability to create and understand art.”

“Creating art is like making decisions. I have a map but not an exact plan. I allow for route changes,” Ryan describes of his process. While developing the layers of his mixed media works, there are many opportunities for change. Even mistakes can lead to revelations, which he believes can be the foundation of experimentation.

Sometimes the greatest development of a skill or idea is the result of repetition, but allowing a shift or making up for a mistake can result in even more interesting discoveries. From there, we can develop new processes and patterns to incorporate in with the old, an approach to life and art that Daniel Ryan has mastered well.

“Celebration”, Mixed Media, 18” x 24” EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES 11

“Cephalopod Refraction”, Mixed Media, 48” x 36”