Meet Ryan Guillaume | Artist

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

Hi Ryan, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’m torn on this topic, because on one hand I really wish I could go back and talk to my younger self, but I also know that the hardships I’ve endured have made me the artist I am today. Balance is something I’ve always struggle with, especially when it comes to creating. I’m like a dog chasing a ball. I’ve gotten better with other aspects of my life, but not art. Creating consumes my thoughts and always keeps pushing my body. I was way too hard on myself physically my first 30 years, and I’ve been paying for it the last 10 years-not that I’ve eased up, but I have gotten a little smarter. I had six surgeries in my 30’s, all on my dominant hand, elbow, shoulder, and a rather recent spine fusion. I have way more ideas than my body is able to execute now. As the saying goes, “youth is wasted on the young”-George Bernard Shaw. At the same time I have learned so much about what we are capable of when it comes to adapting and overcoming. I trained myself to paint with my left hand when I first started having nerve issues. I am somewhat ambidextrous now with a lot of tools. Overall, losing my control freed me as a painter and it carried over into a world of creative problem solving. I am so grateful for that lesson. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. In fact, I am typing this now with one hand, the other is immobilized in a brace from over working it this week. So, I guess I don’t know much about balance, unless it’s on top of a ladder.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve made art all my life, but I didn’t become an artist until I learned how powerful the practice and the process truly was. A while back I learned how to put my problems and emotions on a canvas. I would work through those emotions and try to capture it in paint. I eventually got to the point where once it was done I could hang it on a wall, and walk away from it all. A big part of me creates as a coping mechanism. I live in the process. I was a painter for 15 years before I got my current job as the Art Czar @The Lyric in Fort Collins 4 years ago. I’m basically a full time in house artist. The owner, Ben Mozer hired me because he believed in my vision. I couldn’t imagine a higher honor. I do a lot more than painting these days. The Lyric gave me the opportunity to collaborate with others and transform a massive space into a pretty unique experience, that never stops growing. We have become an art, music, and film hub for the community. A place for creatives to spawn. Creating art is not an issue, but sharing it always has been. I’ve never been a salesman or a self promoter on the internet, so The Lyric is my way of sharing what I do. To see my work you pretty much have to go there, or come over to my house.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Besides The Lyric, I’d take them to the mountains. We’d go biking, hiking, rafting, paddle boarding, etc. I’d tell them where they could go eat, but I’d probably stay home.

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?
Nicholas LoFaro | metal sculptor

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Instagram: @ryanguillaume1

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Facebook: @ryanguillaume

Other: Ryan@lyriccinema.com