Mural Man

A local artist aims to beautify Seattle one wall at a time

You may have noticed the surreal mix of birds, robots and waves on the Clayworks building on Queen Anne. It’s one of more than two dozen murals that have popped up on walls around town since last summer, the work of artist Ryan Henry Ward, who moved to Seattle last December. Ward, who completed his 27th mural at press time, says of his bright, cartoonish designs showcasing big-eyed animals against swirls of vivid colors, “I want to show people what’s possible—show them what a dream and a little energy can do.” His work, done in acrylic, oil and spray paint, is also visible in Wallingford, Capitol Hill, SoDo and Ballard, and in a more traditional setting at Fremont’s Orange Splot Gallery, where his indoor pieces are showcased. Born in Bozeman, Montana, and raised in Enumclaw, Ward has been surrounded by wildlife for most of his life, which is why animals feature prominently in his work. Is there an empty wall opposite your office window? Don’t be surprised if one of his murals pops up there. The artist loves transforming blank walls in highly trafficked areas—and building owners are now seeking him out with requests. He doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon: “I’m having too much fun,” he chuckles.