Shana Ryback

Artist Statement

Painting and drawing have been my passion since I was a little girl sitting by the TV drawing the cartoon characters I watched. I took a step back from my own artistic practice when I began teaching art in elementary schools, and started a family. The demands on my time and energy left me little room to think about my own artmaking. As my kids have grown and I’ve gained expertise in my field, the itch to paint has become overwhelming. In 2025 I made it a goal to do what I have been preaching to my students for years- PRACTICE! In looking for a jumping off point I was drawn immediately to the animal kingdom.

The natural world fascinates me. In another life I may have been a zoologist, biologist or astronomer. I see all living things as equals, deserving of respect and compassion. At different points in my life I have felt connections to different animals- I have a well-loved koala bear stuffy that I was given when I was 3; My mom’s obsession with cows in the early 90’s manifested as kitchen decor in my home growing up. Animals are also a popular subject among my young students, and seemed a natural place to look for inspiration. I am particularly enamoured with animals’ faces and the way they express their emotions just like people. In my paintings I try to capture the attitude or affect of each subject. The more I observe, research and explore my subjects, the more I understand how much humanity takes advantage of, and takes for granted, these creatures with whom we share, not only our home, but our ability to nurture and care for each other, and our capacity for learning and love. My goal is to shift the relationship between the viewer and the animal from one of observation to one of kinship.