Meet Ryan A. Lee | Contemporary Western Artist and business owner.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan A. Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan A., how do you think about risk?
Risk is essential if the decision to risk is thought through. Its funny how many humans will risk their safety, health, finances etc…w/so little sense of repercussion, and yet, when risk is necessary to make something positive happen, we are so scared to follow through. We risk easily when it comes to things that could go wrong, but very little bravery when RISK is for something that might change our lives positively.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a contemporary Western Artist. I am most proud of my hard work paying off. I spent years painting for fun before I even thought someone would want to buy it. What sets me apart I believe is originality. I combine the new and old west clashing. Getting to where I am professionally was not easy. I have had to battle my own self to get where I am. Lack of control, lack of self belief, lack of training all told me I cant do this. People who admired my art built my confidence and I owe it to them. It is not easy nor will it ever be easy for those of us that strive to be who we want to be. Lessons learned along the way are NIOT to let others decide your fate. Take control of your destiny. Another lesson is don’t burn bridges. I’ve learned this the hard way.

I’m an every day person. I’m from the city but my hearts in the open lands of the west. My brand is original and self made. Its forward thinking and expanding fast. I am currently doing a fashion line and creating work on high end furniture. I went to jail several times until I decided enough was enough. So my brand is about redemption and fighting for your brother. My art reflects this best in a piece titled “Brothers”.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Id get up early and take them for a hike in the foothills. Then we’d get breakfast at the Chuck Wagon on West Colfax. Then we’d go downtown to the Brown Palace and have fish and Chips at the Ships Tavern. Then hit a Rockies game. Then to RockMount Western wear to get matching western shirts and embarrass ourselves. After a day in downtown its time to get out of dodge. Id drive to the eastern plains and the old sugar factories of Colorado to enjoy the open space and remind people there is beauty in the plains also. Then shoot down to Durango and camp outside of town. Going in and out of town.

The Kirkland Museum is great, the Broncos games are great. The Denver Botanical Gardens is great. The parks are great. The mountains are great. The over all vibe of my city is changing. Denver is in a flux of finding its own identity as a western city. Try to comprehend it. Like my art, a western cow town trapped in a metropolitan laminate case.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Id like to give a shout out to Art For Redemption. Buck Adams, the founder and also organizational leader Raphaelle Duche Holt. This organization helps artists who have been incarcerated find their path and way to sell arts while incarcerated. As an artist and someone who has had too many law run ins from my drinking days, I really appreciate how they have combined the artist w/ the mistake maker to try and forge a positive path for creatives and people who have paid their price w/ time in jail. I have volunteered time and art to the organization. They have gone above and beyond for people and have a hand in so much community give back. Good people. Individuals are many that have helped me. My mom passed down her work ethic and style. Friends that were REALLY friends. My wife for sticking by me and beating her Cancer. My daughter (7) for being an honest critic of my work. To those who just try to think of others and not just themselves.

Website: https://www.ryanaustinlee.com/

Instagram: ryanaustinleeart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.a.lee.73