Frost Models Groening, Burton for Budding Career

Young Ryan Frost, a recent graduate of Kennesaw Mountain High, has his sights set on big undertakings as he prepares for the next chapter in his life; already, Frost is making a name for himself with his paintings selling at local venues and instructing art at .

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Frost grew up with his father owning a roofing company, while his mother, a stay-at-home mom, tended to him and his brother. Frost says he was raised in a Christian home where his mother and father supported his creative aspirations.

“It [his drawings] began around the age of 4 or 5 when I started tracing and copying cartoons,” Frost recalls of his first memories. He says he traced popular cartoons like Pokemon, Looney Tunes and Dragon Ball Z.

As time passed, Frost’s parents would invest hundreds of dollars fueling their son’s need to draw sketches and pictures. Frost says he would easily go through an art pad per week until his collection of drawings spanned several hundred pictures.

In middle school, Frost really began to study the anime style of drawing that originates from Japan. The impact of anime on Frost’s work was in teaching him the basics of body structure/proportions, eye styles and facial expressions. This was around the same time Frost began to develop stories and characters of his own.

However, Frost acknowledges he is a Disney fan as well. Throughout his childhood he would frequent movie theaters with his family as they supported Disney productions. Early influences on him included Disney classics like Peter Pan, Aladdin and 101 Dalmatians.  

Through his developmental years, Frost would study the animation style of Simpsons creator Matt Groening and eventually Salvador Dali and Picasso, after relocating near Marietta in high school. Simplicity seemed to find its way into Frost’s art but so did the “strange.”

“I’ve always been drawn toward the strange and artists that would push the definition of art,” Frost says of his growth into the world of abstract.

Frost appreciates the exposure he received in his classes to traditional artists helping him achieve artistic balance. Consequently, his art began to blossom as he won student art shows, “The Patriotic Art Contest” and “Spirit of the Season.” These shows led to his work being on exhibit at the Cobb Galleria–an honor he does not take lightly.

In helping him achieve balance, focus and self-development, mentally and physically, Frost has mastered the martial art form of tae kwon do and became a black belt in 2007. He says tae kwon do allows him to “center” his mind full of ideas.

After connecting with Lauren “Lala” McBride, owner of A.R.T.S. @ West Cobb, Frost began teaching classes at the facility to kids ranging in age from 5 to 15 years old. Frost says he has enjoyed his time there and the lessons it has afforded him.

“I really love reaching out to the next generation and showing kids you can’t just play video games, you have to create your own things–and art is one of the most freeing things you can do,” Frost says passionately. “A.R.T.S. is a family-friendly, Christian environment, and all the kids seem to love it.”

Fashioning himself after Tim Burton–director of the recent top-grossing Alice in Wonderland remake with Johnny Depp–Frost has identified with the “strangeness” typically associated with Burton and his movies. To that extent, Frost is preparing to attend Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL, to study computer animation.

“Eventually I hope to work with Disney, Pixar or DreamWorks in their animation departments doing what I love,” Frost says.

Currently Ryan Frost’s work is on display, and for sale, at the Daily Grind Coffee House and A.R.T.S. @ West Cobb. For more information, contact rfrost1991@gmail.com or 937-838-8354.