September 2005
 
 
 
 

An interview with Ryan Greis:
pooptooth

www.ryangreis.com
 
 
All images have been used with permission. All images are copyrighted and strictly for educational and viewing purposes.
 
 
   
 
 

Define and describe Pooptooth?

Pooptooth is my interpretation of the Kentucky culture stereotypes I was exposed to growing up. It began as a few amusing paintings but, over the past year, has gained a lot of interest and has spawned into a much bigger project.
 
 
  Halloweiner
 
 
Where do you find your inspiration?

I'm inspired by all things disfigured or ill-proportioned. Without being too specific, I love seeing things that push the limits of realism. I like watching movies where the special effects are so outrageous but believable because of the level of detail. I love looking at faces whose features are out of proportion from “the norm” but still belong on a human face.
 
 
  Hill Jenkins
 
 
What is your favorite artistic medium?

My favorite medium is a sepia color pencil on sketchbook paper. To take it a step further, my favorite environment to work in is sitting in my la-z-boy. I've got to have a television or radio on when I draw or paint. For the level of detail I tend to draw and the time it takes me to work on a drawing, I like to be REEEEEALLY comfortable.
 
 
  Gramps
 
 
Who is your favorite artist...and why?

I tend to lean towards the traditional illustrators. Howard Pyle, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth. But, I also like stumbling upon artists whose work I've never seen before but I'm suddenly so attracted to. Eyvind Earle, for example. To me, it's like discovering gold.
 
 
  Cousin Sausage Mouth
 
 
What are your plans for the future?

I plan to work on this Pooptooth series for a while longer. I think I'm hitting my stride with this series. But, I have a very short attention span. So, to keep the series interesting to me, I'm beginning to dabble with sculpture. I think my style lends itself well to three dimensions. I'm working on creating a latex or silicone bust series based on my Pooptooth theme. Although in the early stages, I'm planning to show the latex pieces in galleries along side my paintings.
 
 
  Two Heads
 
 
For information about Ryan Greis, please visit:

www.ryangreis.com
 
 
 
 
 
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