Page 38 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

ARTS running deep Miss
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story by Kelsey Sunderman photos by Kelsey Sunderman
erhaps you’ve seen the artwork of local painter and entrepreneur Ryan Merrill
at the Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs. His work is characterized by bright colors and vivid Southern persona. Each of his paintings features a different
aspect of the heart and soul of Mississippi, and often features coastal elements.
Though Merrill grew up drawing, he began his painting career in 2011 by chance when his wife, Jena Hawk, returned to school to complete her doctorate. She encouraged him to pursue his passion for art, and soon he began entering his work in local festivals and contests.
Some of his earlier works featured guitars, such as his painting “Katrina Blues” which was dedicated to the city of Gulfport following Hurricane Katrina. He continued his series of guitar paintings, creating similar designs for each coastal city.
Following his guitar creations, Merrill began producing more nature-themed works. Many of his recent paintings depict coastal marine animals, such as “Cool Blue Crab,” his most popular painting to date. Its bright hues are especially highlighted by the silver canvas that Merrill prints his creations on. Another of his works, “Sea Turtle,” helped introduce Merrill to one of his most helpful and inspirational colleagues, Allen Bell.
Merrill met Bell, a Louisiana business owner, at one of the many festivals featuring Merrill’s art. The two immediately connected over their shared interests and Merrill’s “Sea Turtle” painting. Bell extended
an invitation to Merrill to grow his business. Merrill was hesitant at first, but the two met again a year
RYAN MERRILL displays some of his Mississippi Roots hat designs.
The heart and soul of our great state
and courtesy of Ryan Merrill
38 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2016 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net