Introducing Ryan Lopes

Residing from Rhode Island, the creative director, artist and friend brings a tender presence to his art, focusing on holding space and learning the intimacy of quietness. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a content creator and artist based on the east coast of the United States. I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. A very small, but lively and inspiring city that is between New York City + Boston. I still live in Rhode Island and spend much of my time here and lingering around NYC.

When I am not creating and reflecting through my life and imagery, I am leading a crew of talented individuals through a small coffee company here. My life has changed regarding work and rituals over the past two years, but I remain hopeful for the learning and phase(s) that latter seem to make sense in a perspective that feels wholesome.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration greatly comes from what was & what is. I know that sounds vague in a sense, but I don’t like to spend too much time on things I’ve learned as it is easy for me to get lost in it.

I’m inspired by previous eras, light and space, black & white, many greats, and my community that has formed through our culture and peers/creators alike. Somehow never depart from 90’s influences, style, music, films. It was very modest, yet grown and sexy, so to say.

You've spoken on your Instagram about holding space, how embracing quietness can sometimes speak the loudest. How do you navigate the online world when it can often feel so overwhelming?

How has it influenced the way you create art and put it out into the world?

My quietness is my peace. While also remembering how endangering quietness can be for us in instances when we may feel vulnerable and unsure. I can’t begin to explain how deep and catastrophic things have been lately and I don’t feel genuine centering myself amongst it. Quietness does speak the loudest in these scenarios.

Therefore, I chose to observe and assess how I am feeling and remind myself
that I can disconnect, and in fact I am this changing and existing human outside any platform or conformity. I’ve never felt sadder and more torn in ways that make me want to give up, but I think I become more awakened and heightened in what I believe I want for me and how that can often change. It is often okay.

What does an ideal day off look like for you?

My ideal day off looks like a warm apartment, copious amounts of coffee and one of my playlists in rotation. Working towards things that are my own (a slow process of working on something physical). My notifications are usually turned off, candles lit abound, and I just really prioritize nothingness for me and my portal of rest.

What are your top book recommendations, and what's on your list to read over the holidays?