Ryan Carl | Earth Hour Artist Interview

Tell us about yourself?

I’m a multidisciplinary designer and graphic artist based in New York. Prior to becoming a self-taught designer and starting my own studio in 2005, I studied religion and philosophy at University of Oxford. My studies helped inform a process and mission of designing with thoughtfulness and purpose. I often use language and typography, or simple geometric forms to explore concepts of identity and being, hope and togetherness. I particularly enjoy the challenge of evoking energy and feeling from work that is heavily rooted in simplicity, through the use of color, repetition and texture. When I’m not creating, you can find me having living room dance parties with my family and later diving into bed to snuggle our beagles.


What’s the title of your art piece?

Circle Gradient (green-blue-orange) - TBC


What’s the meaning/thinking behind your art piece?

The use of color gradients has become a theme in some of my work. In this case the blending of color represents interconnectedness with the earth and with each other. I had several explorations for this piece but I almost always select one of the most stripped-down versions. I’m fascinated by how simple, static forms can create a sense of meaning and motion, through composition and color. When I look at this piece I see togetherness, transition, colorful energy … simultaneously an underlying sense of order and simplicity, but also dynamism and diversity. That said, of course we can also just take in the form and color in a more abstract sense, without any intended meaning. The choice is yours :-)


Describe your style in 3 words.

Thoughtful, exploratory, essential


Who's on your playlist while working on this project?

An eclectic mix as always … Trace Mountains, A Tribe Called Quest, The Books, Sergio Díaz De Rojas, Japandroids


Where & what will you be doing at this year’s Earth Hour on 28th March 2020?

I’ll likely observe with my family and use it as a teachable moment for my two children, Kurhula (9) and Ted (10).


If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be and why?

I create a lot of work that directly or indirectly touches on the concept of solidarity. Such a simple concept … we’re all human and we’re all in this together. It would be amazing if our leaders, governments and economic systems truly prioritized equality, human rights and solidarity on a global scale. We all will need to do our best to mend our divisions and come together with a united voice demanding the same from our leaders.

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