Not So Serious

Ryan Preciado is a California designer of Chumash Native American and Mexican heritage, who makes work that references both identities; some of which remind him of his childhood spent with his Native American grandmother. His strong work ethic stems from his skateboarding youth, and he now acts as an artist, product designer, curator and whatever comes next...

Where did you grow up in CA and what were you into at the time?

I grew up in a small town on the central coast of California, called Nipomo. I didn’t have a car until I was 18 so I would take the bus into the next town over called Arroyo Grande and meet up with friends and skate all day. I worked at a local skate shop that use to be there and would spend a lot of time loitering even when I wasn’t working. 90% of what I did in my teens was working at that shop, skate all day, and walk everywhere. I loved it.

What about some of the sub cultures around that time? Is that something that led you into the world of art and design?

The honest answer is probably skateboarding. It really was the best thing I could have done growing up. It gets you in the habit of looking at your surroundings with different eyes. It also surrounds you with the most creative people. Allows you to get into the mind set of “by any means necessary”. It really generates good work ethic, necessary risk taking and creativity. Cheesy sounding but in some way or another I owe whatever it is I’m doing to skateboarding. 

I'm not sure you can be labelled as a furniture designer as your output is very diverse and the objects you create could be considered more sculptural. Given your work is so sensory would you think of yourself more as a fine artist? Or do you not really care how you're labelled?

I’m not entirely sure how I would label myself. Maybe just as a “Curious Person." Although, If I’m not entirely sure how to label myself I can’t be too mad if someone calls me one thing or another.

Do you feel there is a decline in people using their hands as a craft? Or maybe it's the opposite now that we're definitely seeing a resurgence in people wanting to do something more tactile and rewarding.

Im usually in my bubble when I’m working or talking with friends, so I’m surrounded by individuals who often work with their hands fortunately. I think you’re right thought. It seems like a lot more people are picking up trades.

‍I know you're also working on a few curatorial projects, can you speak a little about this type of discipline? Especially related to Downhearted Ducking at South Willard which was an incredible group exhibition.

The show I curated in November 2020 Downhearted Duckling at South Willard felt really natural. Ryan Conder ( owner of the gallery) asked me if I had been thinking of anyone that I would like to show and ultimately just said “ I trust you, do what you want." He’s generous like that. It was a real opportunity he gave me.

It a continues thing, but with this I was really asking myself questions about my lack of feeling close to my Mexican/Chumash culture. I have some amazing friends/artists who I admire, who’s works have made me feel seen. So being I've never curated anything before, I just wanted to do something personal and possibly give the opportunity to anyone else that may have felt insecure or distant from who they are culturally, a chance to piece themselves together through the works that were shown. Even if it was in a small way. It was a very special thing and I continue to thank my friends and new friends Ive gained in the process that participated.

Which artists are currently having a major influence on your work?

Chucho Reyes

‍Any music that is on rotation as you're working?

lci Acosta, The Nerves, Cypress hill, Hideo Shiraki ( Sakura Sakura)

‍Favorite food joints in East LA?

La Azteca is good

Can we call out a few people who have been tattooing you of late?

I haven’t gotten one in years.. I recently watched a friend get a terrible tattoo from a 16 year old. It was great. It was a tv but it came out looking like a pizza box with a coat hanger coming out of it. Maybe Ill let him give me one too.

What does the near future hold?

I’m working on something for Canada Gallery this coming January. Possibly a tattoo from that kid.

ryanpreciado.com