SECRET MUSE #3
PROFESSION: Artist
LOCATION: New York
I talked to American artist Ryan McMenamy about growing up in New England, the influence of fashion and style on his work, his working practice, collaborating with photograher Bruce Weber and why he chose his Ferian Signet Ring.
RM I grew up in a small coastal town in New England called Duxbury which is historic for building fishing schooners in the early 19th century. Everyone in the town has a close relationship to the water as did my father who was an avid boater. His clothes were functional, well made, and durable. However they were at the same time slightly formal, even when boating. I suppose this has influenced my aesthetic, although unknowingly because at the time we were much less exposed to anything else. It was cultural I guess, because it was all I knew!
What and where did you study?
I went to Parsons School of Design and majored in Illustration.
R.M Shortly after graduating I worked for Calvin Klein as a ‘sketch artist’ which was a position solely responsible for drawing full figure illustrations for look book and presentation purposes, but also technical sketches for pattern making. These positions soon became obsolete due to computers and new software, at which point I shifted to being a designer. I was a designer for 15 years which was wonderful, however knew it was temporary as I have always known being an artist was my true calling. I am very grateful for that experience as I believe it has influenced my work today.
RM A few years ago, I was hired to join Bruce Weber and his team on a two-day photo shoot. My role was to draw all the models over the two-day period live in person. It was a lavish production with 12 models and multiple accessories. I used charcoal on newsprint to keep the feeling loose and gestural. The magazine used the drawings throughout the spread alongside the photographs in the final publication. My favorite part was hearing Bruce and stylist Paul Cavaco reminisce of how it reminded them of many years ago when there was always a hired artist on the shoot to capture a different visual interpretation. I assumed and can only hope they were referring to Antonio Lopez who has always been a hero of mine. It was an honor and memorable experience.
RM For me drawing is the foundation of my practice. I always have sketchbooks going and carefully work out compositions through drawings on paper before any painting begins.
RM Yes I do try to work with the grain of the wood to a degree, but there is always an element that is out of my control and left to chance.
RM My husband James and I split our time between NYC and a small house in the coastal town of Provincetown on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. It is known as the oldest continuous art colony in the United States. Almost all of our neighbors are artists, and being a part of this community is incredibly inspiring.
Lots of people struggle with working alone, how do you maintain your discipline – do you have a schedule or set yourself deadlines?
The isolation of working alone has been a struggle, but the support of this creative community in Provincetown has been a blessing regarding all facets of life as an artist, including discipline.
RM I paint strictly with gouache, for both the flat shapes and realistic forms. I love the matte and chalky nature of the medium. Each painting takes more than a week.
LB Your ‘Man’ seems like the embodiment of the idealised New Yorker – Don Draper, Arthur Miller sprinkled with Kennedy dust – he's impeccably but classically dressed. Is classicism important to you? Can you explain what makes an enduring image or piece of design?
RM Thank you for those compliments. I absolutely love classicism in all forms. The man, interiors, and objects in my painting are all from my life. However, these elements that make up the paintings are simultaneously vehicles for color, shape, and form. I have a hard time talking about my work because what visual art evokes can’t be said in words. To be honest, I don’t really know what I’m doing, and am beginning to realize that is ok and might be the most sacred part.
RM Yes, I definitely believe there is an overall increased desire for human touch, craft, and skill.
RM If I wasn’t an artist I would love to be your full-time dance partner, however I’m not strong enough for our favorite ‘lifts’ anymore. We would have to transition to waltzing or something!
RM We both fell in love with Ferian’s signet rings for their incredible beauty and heritage. James chose the classic subtlety of the intaglio horse in midnight, and being partial to the seaside I chose the sailboat. They are both so timeless and graceful, we love them.
THANK YOU FOR BEING FERIAN MUSE #3
Follow Ryan @ryanmcmenamy
Website: ryanmcmenamy.com
