This post comes from our new (hopefully) regular contributor, Toby Kammer:
If you live in Wallingford, Ballard or Fremont you’ve likely come across murals by Ryan Henry Ward. Erika Bigelow took note of the murals and had a thought: can Henry help transform a bland grey retaining wall, which people walk by all the time en route to the Essential Baking Company, into something worthy of conversation?
In two words the answer to Ms. Bigelow’s question: Space Lizards.
These are the two words that Henry uttered when I mentioned Ms. Bigelow’s mural, which went up about a month and a half ago (though he added it doesn’t actually have a name). The mural itself includes a couple of eggs, one yellow lizard type creature (which looks slightly nervous, perhaps by virtue of holding up the retaining wall), and various other tentacled multi-eyed beings. The mural is also distinct from many others in that it includes a little glitter – apparently a nod by the artist to Ms. Bigelow’s daughter, who is a fan of glitter (and fairies).
Henry started painting murals in Seattle just over one year ago. He began with the Triangle Lounge (now “9 Million in Unmarked Bills”), trading the mural for beer and food. Despite his blossoming fame (Evening Magazine plans to air a piece on the murals sometime “before November”), Henry’s rates have stayed reasonable – this fact has probably helped him in achieving his loose goal of painting 50 murals in various Seattle neighborhoods. Since the Triangle mural he has painted approximately 43 others, including a ginormous mural at 25th and Fosset in Tacoma measuring 40’ by 80’ on one wall of a building and 40’ by 40’ on another wall of the same building. In other words, he is near his goal and will likely achieve it before summer is over.
You can find a handful of other works by Henry in the Wallingford neighborhood, including out in front of the Episcopal Book Store, on the wall facing Lakeside Chiropractic Clinic’s off-street parking, and the now empty Walt’s Automotive Care Center. His next big project could be (still up in the air) the North 46th Street underpass below Aurora.
Other murals are noted on the interactive google map – please feel free to add to it!
View Henry Mural Map in a larger map
This guy is awesome!
Didn’t he have a number of canvases at Fuel?
I’m so glad to learn who he is! I love the mural at Walt’s automotive (which I’m sure will be torn down to put in some faceless new condo/retail space). I’ve always loved that old gas station, and the mural just adds to it!
Hey may have. He did have quite a few at the Orange Splot Gallery in Fremont which has unfortunately closed. Some of his canvases will be available for viewing at Porter House in West Seattle soon (maybe already). Note though that while his public art is kid friendly some of his canvas work is a little edgier and includes not only whimsical creatures but also whimsical creatures that are anatomically correct.
This “henry” guy is amazing! His canvas work is especially good. There is word out that he has sold close to 200 canvas paintings in the last year or so. It would be cool if people have bought them, to post them on a blog or something. Since henry started his public work in seattle it has had a huge impact on the art culture of our city. The city should hire people like henry to paint all of their blank walls. The more art that’s up the more our city attracts tourists, which increases revenue to small businers owners. Art helps thing thrive. Henry has helped things strive. Anyway, if henry reads this, Id like to say thank you for improving our city. You are so much fun for everybody. Your sense of humor is very transparent in your work. Your work is absolutely amazing and smart.
Can anyone be sexier than this guy?
I agree that henry is the sexiest man in seattle. His art is amazing, and his confidence to share it with the city. I drove by his mural in Tacoma. Im not sure how he painted something on such a large scale, but it was amazing.
I love this guys work. I cant believe the diversity of work he has in his murals. Yet, even without the henry signature you could pick his work out. He is very original and seems to appeal to a wide variety of people. Now that the Orange Splot is closed does anyone know where to find his canvas work. My wife says I have to sleep on the couch until I buy her one. She says we have to get apiece before this guy blows up and his prices are beyond us. I just saw his new mural on 15th and 65th in ballard. Hitch hiking the yellow brick road or something.
He has canvas work at the portehouse in west seattle.
I’m glad to finally know who this guy is. I’m seeing more and more of his stuff and it always puts a big smile on my face! I love it!
Im am so infatuated with this guy. every time I see his car drive by I get tingles all over. If i ever find him I will show him a good time.