Ryan Lely: An Artist at Heart

Ryan Lely grew up surrounded by beautiful images, after all, he's a Sonoma-native.

After graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with degrees in Art and Physical Anthropology, Lely made a name for himself in the art world, working, at one time or another, as a photo editor, photojournalist and providing freelance images for national pubs including  Bon Appetit, 7x7, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and San Francisco Magazine.  

The work is just as glamorous as it sounds, Lely's arranged product demos and cook-offs with celebrity chefs, developed photo concepts for magazine articles, and worked on city permitting and planning.

A cutting edge techno artist, Lely regularly participates in social media ventures and currently works for the visual arts team at Francis Ford Coppola Presents.

Sonoma Patch: How long have you been in Sonoma?

Ryan Lely: I was born and raised in Sonoma, and have been living here off and on for 20 years.

SP: A native and an artist. That’s pretty cool. What about Sonoma inspires you?

RL: Natural beauty, creative thinkers and innovators.

SP: What was it like growing up in Sonoma?

RL: I come from a very large family, so I mostly hung out with my cousins.

SP: What was your favorite meal?

RL: My mother’s side of the family is Italian, which makes my favorite food anything that comes out of their kitchens.

SP: As far as your photography, what inspires you?

RL: So many things inspire me. It can be out-of-place tableaux, a bizarre texture, a decaying piece of architectural detail, or a fascinating person who has a unique story.

SP: How does your background in physical anthropology influence your photography? Your life?

RL: It influences my life much more than my photography. I studied forensics- a-la the TV show Bones. This has given me an extensive knowledge of the natural processes that affect the post-mortem body and skeletal system, and the unfortunate things that people can do to one another.

SP: That’s kind of creepy.

RL: Actually, it makes for some fascinating stories.

SP: When it comes to photography, are your favorite subjects people or inanimate objects?

RL: People, for sure. I love spending time with a person, seeing how they live, how they work, and photographing those brief, still moments that function as commas within the day.

SP: What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?

RL: In my past I’ve done window displays, so I’m sure I would find myself doing it again.

SP: You’re an artist at heart. If you could do anything on a particular day in Sonoma, what would it be?

RL: Canoeing down the Sonoma Creek- an amazing way to experience the valley. Or stay at home and garden.

SP: What’s in your garden?

RL: Everything from papyrus, to peonies, Gerber daisies and ferns.

SP: What is a typical day like working for Francis Ford Coppola Presents?

RL: In a nutshell, a typical day involves a morning meeting to discuss the progress of our numerous projects. And then working on various projects - be it sourcing materials, moving fixtures, or creating concepts.

SP: You must work with some talented people.

RL: Going to work is such a pleasure.

SP: What do you most admire in people?

RL: Honesty and integrity.

SP: What do you most dislike?

RL: The belief that one way of living or thinking supersedes another, and the maltreatment that comes as a result.