Meet Ryan Hopper | Artist and Art Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Hopper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has always been my calling; I was drawn towards it growing up as a child on the Navajo Nation. My earliest memories span from picking up a stick and drawing in the sand. The art allowed me to escape into my mind, feelings and express myself as a child. We couldn’t afford much art materials growing up on a sheep camp. Most times everything went towards raising the animals from sheep, cattle, horses, cats, and dogs. I had to make do with the materials around me. Within, my elementary years of school is where I started joining more art competitions and learning about art from a young age. Also, being around my paternal grandmother who made Navajo rugs. My biggest inspiration in creating. From a young age, I started drawing the animals and things around me and my interest. At the time, Power Rangers was my obsession, things of pop culture, and my love for music. Also, observing my uncles when they created beautiful art pieces, mostly from oil paintings of eagles, teepees, Navajo baskets, corn and etc. They would normally sell them around outside our local trading post and the flea market. In seeing this gave me a deep sense that my art could be something pursued in the future. Through my art, there is a lot to express and share with the world. Also, allowing me to get it out on paper or whatever medium that was in my hands.

Let’s talk shop. Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

With my art and brand, it wasn’t as easy as it seems. Because most of the things learned was through trial and error. Basically, not coming with an instruction manual. It all started at ASU, where I went to school for my BA in Art Education and graduate in 2018. There I took print making and oil painting classes. The print making classes were in Screenprinting and loved it instantly creating my art. It wasn’t until I met my husband where the business side came in and when the pandemic hit in 2020 at that time I was working in Mesa, AZ as a Teaching Artist at a senior day center with people who had Alzheimer’s, Dementia, cognitive delays, and etc. The job was fresh, and everything shifted in an instant to online and that was challenging. Which in speaking with my husband at that moment, he mentioned what about selling your art. Brilliant!! So, we combined forces with him creating a website for my art and managing the business from licensing, and etc. I started working on more in creating prints with Linoleum cuts and we started moving along from there. Even the rabbit in the logo is to represent a Jack rabbit and Arizona. And in creating Hopper Gallery came into existence. Now my art is also in Mesa, AZ at Hope’s Frybread and at our local Tuba City Trading Post with the Arizona four eagle feathers represent my Díne culture with four being a sacred number to us. In addition, with Posey shirt that is named after my late paternal grandmother. Everything I create is created with soul intention and has story. Especially, with the branding of Hopper Gallery. I basically learn every day from just trying my best and going from there. Better to try and not doing at all. Is best policy for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week-long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

The valley and desert have so much to offer.
First day, some shopping to look around at would be Tempe Town Market Place so much to do there, even catch a movie and different food eating options.

Second Day, Top Golf in Gilbert, AZ during the daytime. After, within the evening a nice easy hike to go see Piestewa Peak take plenty of water and so you get to see most of the valley from that viewpoint. It’s truly wonderful from there.

Third Day, love art, let’s go check out Heard Museum and Phoenix Museum in downtown Phoenix. These places you can get lost in for hours and especially see the gift shops. With so many options to choose from and unique finds. Also, if you want food, they have places around there.

Fourth Day, go down Mill Ave hangout, so much food and drinks options. Then take a nice stroll down to Tempe Town Lake. And make our way over towards Tempe Art Center.

Fifth Day, Would say during the day go to AMF Bowling in Mesa, AZ. Also, say this is during First Friday that would be amazing. In the evening and great to see local vendors in the valley and grab something from the food trucks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others. So, is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My family, friends and Díne culture that inspire me on the daily and observing their stories. It’s a long list to put together because without my people it wouldn’t be where I am with my art career. However, my biggest inspiration, muse and endless support of unconditional love would be my late paternal grandmother. She is the reason why I am always pursuing more for myself with my strength in creating and sharing our story with the world. And of course, my loving husband and business partner for always being there for me with the biggest support and love. As the saying goes it takes a village. Ahéhee’ (Thank You).

Website: https://www.hoppergallery.com

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