Ryan Christopher VanWilliams

Ryan Christopher VanWilliams is a American visual artist and photographer whose artwork reflects growing up in the inner city of New York.
Early years
Born March 20, 1988 in Queens, New York City. His Grandmother is of Native American and African American heritage from North Carolina. His Grandfather is from the Carribean island of Barbados. VanWilliams is the first of three children. However, he was an only child for 15 years until his mother remarried in 2001. His brother was born in 2003 and sister in 2009. The family has lived in Richmond Hill, Queens since the mid-late 1970's.
Education
He began his artistic career in 1999 attending Junior High School 217 in Briarwood, Queens. basic drawing/sketching techniques, painting and color theory were learned. In early 2001, VanWilliams applied to the vocational High School of Graphic Communication Arts in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan to continue studying the arts. He studied black & white darkroom processing, basic photography techniques, commercial art & printing through the high school's program. VanWilliams graduated in 2005 with an Honor Roll award and a New York State Regents seal on his diploma. Later that year VanWilliams attended LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens to pursue an AAS Degree in digital photography. VanWilliams' main focus was photojournalism, documenting his neighborhood, environment and everyday life in New York City.
Career
VanWilliams has been traditionally trained in both analog film and digital photography. Using various cameras, digital backs and editing software. He also had a brief stint as a graffiti artist within the tri-state area of New York City. VanWilliams has done commissioned legal work. Some of his influences include photographers Gordon Parks, Terry Richardson, Catherine Opie, Annie Leibovitz. Artists Bansky, Kaws, James De La Vega, numerous among others. He is currently involved with the fashion industry, working with various models, photographers, wardrobe stylist/designers and other industry professionals to create editorial, commercial, glamor and portrait avant-garde fashion photography.
*Interview, CSV Interview Showcase. 2007.
*Internship, Queens Chronicle, Newspaper Publication. 2007.
*A Broad Way", Documentary. 2006.
Credits/tears
*Image featured on FashionbySarah.com Fashion Blog.
*Coverage of FORMAT NY's 1st Annual "Queens Bully" BMX event.
*Image featured in article for Nigel Sylvester's FORMAT NY shop. Queens Tribune newspaper publication.
*Images from FORMAT NY featured on High Snobiety, urban fashion and sneaker aficionados website.
Personal Life
He is currently employed by MTA - New York City Transit since late 2007. VanWilliams has three tattoos. He is currently romantically involved with Franchesca Guerrero since March 2007. He has no children.
Refrences

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See Also

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