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Artist Bio
I’m Ryan Quinn, a bronze sculptor based in Alexandria, Virginia, originally from Madison, Wisconsin. My journey into sculpture began unexpectedly after encountering the work of Beth Cavener in a New York gallery—an experience that immediately sparked a deep fascination with the emotion that sculpture can evoke. While serving as the Air Attaché in Kyiv, Ukraine, I seized the opportunity to study one-on-one with sculptor Serhii Brilov, dedicating 18 months to intensive training starting in 2019.
With a background as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, I tend to bring a sense of movement and tension to my work, often capturing figures—both human and animal—frozen in moments of struggle, reflection, or transformation. Working primarily in bronze and ceramic, I’m drawn to the permanence and structural strength these materials offer, allowing for dynamic, expressive forms.
Artist Statement
I work primarily in bronze and ceramic, often incorporating materials like found driftwood and chiseled marble to ground my sculptures in natural elements. I use human figures and animal forms, but it’s the tension within the moment that I strive to capture—the split second where a story holds its breath.
I’m drawn to the alternate side of classic stories, where triumph feels complicated and release can look a lot like loss. My sculptures capture characters mid-struggle, mid-fall, or mid-thought, leaving space for the viewer to imagine how this came to be, and what will come next.
While some pieces draw from mythology or folk story, others are born from daydreams or quiet reflection. Whether it’s a defiant hare, a lowly snake, or a portrait confronting its own defects, I aim for honesty over perfection. And I’m not here for the resolutions, I’m here for the questions.
The Creative Process
My creative process is often spontaneous – the beginnings of works sprout from daydreams or from the mindless work of my hands. My sculptures have been exhibited at Principle Gallery in Alexandria, where Zaivy Zaets—the first American artwork to be shown at the Ukraine Triennial of Sculpture—is currently on display.
