Eva Ryan

Class of 2022

Paper cutting found artist Eva Ryan when she needed it most. The social worker, trained in the field of intimate partner violence, found herself in need of self-care. “It [paper cutting] is a self-healing art form for me,” said Ryan.

Ryan’s work is detailed, up close, and very personal, exploring themes of mysticism, science, impermanence, home, and healing from abuse. Coincidentally, Ryan finds that people who work in the helping professions - nurses, doctors, social workers - connected with her work. “They needed to take care of themselves,” Ryan stated. “They saw that in the work and in the stories of my pieces.”

Ryan wants her audience to remember to slow down. “My work focuses on combating hustle culture,” states Ryan. “We need to focus on the type of rest that creates experiences - playful, creative, sensory experiences.”

Though the work seems fragile, it is also strong and sturdy, like her favorite animal, the snail. “I love snails because they go slow, they hibernate, and they are very strong.” These are all qualities the artist hopes she conveys in her work.

“Ideas come to visit,” Ryan muses. “We decide if we want to work with them or not.” To foster other people’s creative adventure, Ryan offers a five-month, one-on-one mentoring program she calls “Creative Your Own Adventure.”

Ryan is opening her gallery, Paper Caper, in August 2023 at 104 E. Pike St., Suite B, South Padre Island. Visit her online gallery at papercaperco. com

ABISPI: SPOTLIGHT