Meaning of Matter

Ryan Jacob Smith was raised in Orange County, California, and spent his younger years rock-collecting, skating and cub-scouting. In 2001, he graduated with honors from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

His narrative work explores themes ranging from the earth and its environment to consciousness, the human body, survival and hurt and healing. Incorporating illustration, painting, and collage, his work is a blend of intention and improvisation. Fragments, mistakes and unconscious marks remain in each piece, revealing the process and of their development. With a combination of acrylics, spray paint, silkscreen and graphite, Ryan's work is as much informed by the street culture of his youth as his formal fine art training.

Ryan Jacob Smith currently lives in Portland, Oregon where he enjoys collecting old science books and ephemera from thrift stores, skateboarding and buying records.