Jo Ryan
In 2003, I was on my way to work as a graphic designer, walking down Collins Street, Melbourne, and I looked as always at the advertising trends and shop windows along the way. Then I realised I have a unique perspective of how I view the world—I don’t primarily see the buildings, objects, etc. I see the communication in all its various forms—words, lines, graphics, colours, patterns, and language. The objects are just a support for all the communication that surrounds us every day.
Since then, I’ve tried to convey this view via multiple mediums and techniques, but the one that best conveys my vision has been spray paint and vinyl; it has allowed me to create sharp graphic, highly defined, bold-coloured, communication-filled landscapes and introspective storytelling of our world.
Every piece has a story that I’d love to tell you about, or you can see at joryanart.com.
BeeQk
Aerosol painted 3D printed sculpture, cardboard packaging and promotional sign with metal stand, 2025.
packaging 18.5 x 14.5 x 12 cm, sign 19 x 34 x 5.6 cm
$400
This initially amusing product is the culmination and finale to my series called 'The Pearl Diver’s Dream' based on my modern interpretation of Hokusai's "Dream of the Fisherman's wife" woodblock print. It’s packaging and signage not only represent an octopus themed sex toy, but also the reality of what Hokusai's image is portraying. An octopus has a beak for a mouth; a beak that is more than capable of biting through rock and tough shells.