Ryan Mowry's show of gig posters is bold and innovative. He peers deep into the soul of our image obsessed culture to create a visual history of our musically inclined world. In VISIONS OF SOUND, Ryan pays homage to four of his favorite bands: Converge, GY!BE, High on Fire, and Wovenhand. It was great to get a chance to beyond the minimally colored surface and tap into the mind of Ryan Mowry before the opening night of his exhibit taking place Saturday, April 2, 2011 at What The Rock.
I would like to thank Ryan again for taking the time to do this interview.
Interview with Ryan Mowry
PH For someone who has never seen your art, describe in your own words, your style of art. How art reflects you and how you convey your sound through your visions.
RM My style is of limited color, high contrast, and a love for black and white! It's also a art forum that I can "arrest motion" with the viewer.
PH Can you tell me a little about the origin of the idea for Visions Of Sound. Why do you choose to focus on music through art as opposed to politics, nature, or another life experience?
RM I choose to focus on gig posters because faith and politics are a constant theme in my art. This time I really wanted to show case my love for the music.
PH Much like music, art carries emotions, what emotions came up for you when you were creating the idea for Visions of Sound. Did you revert back to being in show audiences, or the first time you listened to a favorite song. Describe that experience.
RM Each piece for the show carries emotions that were taken from the music. For example, the Godspeed You Black Emperor image conveys a game of tension, with explosions of sound, and a mighty fall! Secondly, the Wovenhand image displays three finger 's (like a icon painting) which represents; the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. Thirdly the snake which is a icon of evil and temptation, and lastly the rooster for denial as cast in the Bible and Peter's denial of Christ.
PH Gig posters seem to be what you are most known for and truly enjoy. What was the first gig poster you did and what would be the ultimate gig poster for you to design?
RM The first gig poster I did was for my friends band, Wing and Tusk (highly recommended). As far as the ultimate gig poster, maybe one for Fugazi or the MC5?? Truth be told there are so many I would love to do!
PH Where can we purchase your work prior to the exhibit?
RM You can also purchase some of my prints before the show at www.etsy.com/shop/pencilplan
*Visions of Sound pays homage to four of Ryan's favorite bands: Converge, GY!BE, High on Fire, and Wovenhand. Exhibit will be on display from April 2-30. Tues-Thurs, 12-7 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 12-8 p.m.; Sun, 12-6 p.m. Gallery Hop reception: April 2, 6-8 p.m at What The Rock (Short North)
Event Details
For more info on Ryan Mowry visit: www.etsy.com/shop/pencilplan
www.pencilplan.blogspot.com or email Ryan at pencilplan@gmail.com
