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Inside Sue

My younger years as an Art student has taught me this: a painting without words, is a painting well done. Born from deliberate strokes mastered only by years of commitment and devotion, an admirable painting has the duty to convey a story it exists for. The painting does not attempt to make you understand; surely that must be left to one’s own capability, instead, the painting’s sole responsibility is to tell the story. That, and just that. However you would like to interpret the story told, as you would do so with the Holy Bible, is entirely up to you. And hence, paintings are often left misunderstood. As is the Holy Bible.

Over the past decade, a steady flow of stories have been told by the masterful technique of a certain Mark Ryden. Born in Medford, Oregon, Ryden marries Surrealism, social nuances, emotion resonance and pop-culture references into disquieting paintings like no other. Minimal creative rationales are offered. Ryden prefers to let his works do the talking.

Ryden currently lives and works in Los Angeles and may be reached via his website. I hope you enjoy the following stories like I had.

Girl eaten by tree

Corkey Ascending to the Heavens

The Meat Train