interview

Columbus Alive Interview, Nikki Davis 2006

Forget the punch lines about the few sizable buildings that dot Columbus’ downtown skyline- Ryan Orewiler was never in on the joke. The 30-year old artist has traveled to most of Europe’s old cities, but his upbringing in German Village has been just as inspirational to him as Venice’s legendary canals.

Orewiler, who recently graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design with a major in Illustration and a minor in painting, specializes in cityscape oil paintings that range in size from that of a postcard to a six-foot canvases. Capturing many of the city’s cultural and architectural landmarks, including the Smith Brothers Building and the book Loft, his work has been shown throughout the city.

I met with Ryan recently to learn about his influences and his thoughts on ongoing changes in his city.

Tell me about the inspiration for your work?

I was influenced by old masters like Canaletto and Vermeer: I like the work of local artists like Ron Anderson. I’ve just visited Venice, Florence and Rome, and those cities have influenced some of my work I’m currently creating of German Village.

How would you compare some of the European cities you’ve visited to American cities like Columbus?

What comes immediately to mind are the obvious similarities between German cities and German Village in terms of buildings, streets and even the way he light filters through the trees. Although I think there’s a sort of intrigue with certain international cities, I also think there’s a charm to many smaller American cities in terms of planning and things like storefronts.

You incorporate Columbus’ skyline and landmarks into many of your works. Do you see your art as a sort of documenting the city’s past as well as its rapid growth?

I never really consciously thought about it, but I do enjoy the process of capturing the quirks of the city through photography and also painting. There are certain neighborhoods and buildings in Columbus that just naturally demand to be captured in various methods.

Are you also interested in capturing some of the more gritty elements of the city life, like graffiti or what seems like the never-ending expanse of parking lots?

I’m inspired by everything, even what’s considered to be “bad” parts or neighborhoods of any city I’ve been to, including Columbus. Those aspects definitely contribute to the overall fabric of a city as much as the carefully tended boulevards and other “monumental destination” spots.

I’m not interested in highlighting the more beautiful parts of the city just because it might look more scenic or idyllic. Paris has just as many dark and dirty alleys as few places in the area, not something I’m trying to gloss over.

I think some of the people who might be drawn to my work seem to be drawn to be intrigued by the process of trying to recognize the familiar. It’s almost like a game where someone is actively trying to remember exactly where they may have seen this particular street or corner or park.

Fom an artist’s perspective, how do you think the newer residential properties being built downtown are contributing to the cityscape?

While many of them are definitely more modern in design and I do like what’s been accomplished so far, I think I’d like to see a few more references to older architectural styles. I’m sure there were many considerations besides the aesthetics, but it’s always nice to see a city’s history in the form of its buildings.

NEw 08

New Paintings by Ryan Orewiler
Broad and High #2 Columbus, Ohio- Downtown