Irish artist Jean Ryan, Rwanda and Limerick
I, Jean Ryan Hakizimana, (Painter, Art Teacher, Author, Editor, Producer
and Movie Maker) spent much of my early life in Rwanda, South Central Africa. My
trysts with art commenced at an early age as I honed my skills in sketching and
painting. My parents were always supportive and encouraging of my need for
creative expression and I went on to graduate with high level skills in Art
Media. It has always been my passion to paint and since I moved to Ireland, I
opened and began running my own art studio and gallery space. My new Jean
Ryan's art studio and gallery is located at Liddy Street, Limerick City
Centre and the second one its located at Camelot Ireland, First Floor, Arthurs Quay
Shopping Centre, Limerick City Centre. A good number of my paintings have sold
nationally and worldwide, from exhibitions both in my studio and across the
country. My work has also been featured by national and international media and
many of my paintings have even been used as book covers by eminent authors. I
also strongly believe in giving back to the art community that has given me so
much happiness and therefore wholeheartedly engage in voluntary teaching with
the specially-abled and in promoting many young artists around the country. I
regularly take morning and evening classes, all year round for all skill levels,
even taking in work students from neighboring colleges and universities. In this
small way, I have brought in a good amount of business to Limerick city and the
surrounding area. I co-authored books with Dr. Michael Hayes, published by
Cambridge Scholars Publishing, about the intercultural dialogue in Ireland that
is the story of my journey across borders and across my palette. My work
features scenic Irish life and African landscapes, both of which have been a big
part of my journey. Being so connected to the themes of my paintings, I focus on
drawing out the intensity of feeling and texture through my technical skills
with the brush and pallet knife. My style ranges from real to abstract, size
from 4 inch x 2 inch up to 15ft x 30ft and I paint in oil, acrylic and Indian
ink on canvas. I have also recently adopted a new style of black and white
painting. I always seek to keep evolving and developing my own style, as I see
inspiration for learning all around me. Every artwork is the result of a long
painting process; every canvas is born during an introspective creative search;
every painting is full of inner musings and each painting conveys a different
mood, emotion and color. My paintings are an expression of the beauty, harmony
and spirit of the world. Each element in my every painting is carefully
deliberated and reflects feeling, sensitivity, passion, and music from the
soul.
As I have grown and evolved as an artist, my work has become more and more an
extension of my being. I can best express myself through the simple
synchronization of colors and shapes. The colors in the world inspire me more
than the plain object. I believe it is the colors that convey and arouse feeling
and emotion. It is a depth of feeling I want my observer to understand. My
abstract work can be whatever the viewer perceives it to be. The piece then
becomes a unique interpretation of the observer, a silent understanding that
makes him a part of it. I like to think of my art as expressing an otherwise unexpressed part of myself.
Experiences cannot be expressed. They are deep-rooted feelings, thoughts, dreams
and emotions flowing from my mind to the paint on my brush. This also explains
my need to travel and wander the world, observing and informing my experiences
and constantly seeking a newer inspiration.
What is my art about?
There is beauty inherent in our very existence. It is many a time not
recognized. Sunsets, Sunrises, Landscapes are my excuse to turn blank canvases alive with
vibrant scenes; my palette and brushes are my tools to express the colors,
energy and absolute splendor of what exists.
I have been complimented on my unique background motifs and have always been
asked what they represent. The answer is that they are simply my interpretation
of the energy fields that surround us and that make up our very existence. The
art is designed to spark a reconnection between you and the magnificence of
nature. Every moment offers us a chance to see life in a beautiful joyous way. I
believe that it is art that can free us from aggression and depression. And I
hope my art can rekindle this awe for beautiful living.
Master Jean Ryan Hakizimana
