I first saw Ryan Shaffer’s work at the All Star Hustlaz III show at White Walls back in Dec, 2007 and remember liking the work a lot, which was dominated by middle eastern male figures, geometric shapes, and flat color.

His recent show in April at Park Life with Kill Pixie, expanded upon that theme and included works which incorporated mirror imaging of animals and tighter line work.

Here’s a mini-profile with Ryan:

Age / Location
23, San Francisco

Which artists have influenced you, and where do you get your inspiration?
Visually, I suppose I’m inspired by a bit of South Asian and Middle Eastern art, such as Iranian Coffeehouse and Indian Court paintings. I also enjoy Native American textiles. I think a lot of inspiration comes from outside art though. Science theory and invention in the last few centuries. Lately, I’ve been listening to this great podcast show called Radio Lab on WNYC that covers all kinds of topics.

Can you explain some of the common themes in your work and what it represents?
I’m interested in exploring the culture of ancient societies, their stories, hierarchies, and mysticism as well as examining these same aspects of our own civilization. I think my work reflects a bit of this, and includes my own abstract notions and interpretations of the space around me.

What goes on in a normal day for you?
Wake up later than I plan to, go get coffee, check emails and read the news, then start on painting or design/web work I have going at the time. Try and go for a bike ride and grab lunch… return to work for a few hours. Then, maybe grab a beer or two with my buds and refrain from making shameful stories.

What are your interests outside of art?
Trying to think of a way to get money to travel more. Breaking my ass on a skateboard once in a while. Soccer.

Which contemporary artists are you digging?
This dude Matthew Palladino here in the city has some great new stuff… Kill Pixie, Ian Johnson, Andrew Schoultz, Hillary Pecis, Alex Lukas, AJ Fosik, Shaun O’dell, Keegan McHargue, the list grows daily.

What are you working on now? Any shows coming up?
Right now I’m just trying to paint as much as I can and crank out some new ideas I’ve had down for a bit. The rest of this year there may be a couple group shows in the works… and next February I’ve got a show going at White Walls, which I’m looking forward to working on… Who knows, maybe just nude self-portraits from here on out!?

To see more of Ryan’s work visit ryanscottshaffer.com