ras - Ryan Shelley - is a conceptual artist from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He recently graduated from Moravian College with a BA in Graphic and Interactive Design and is actively seeking to join an MFA program to obtain a degree in design and digital arts. Long term plans include teaching art, producing original modern rock albums with his group Another Band, and pursuing an arts career.

ras' work stems from a cross-fertilization of idea-based art in various fields, including music, graphic design, digital and alternative photography, performance art, and digital video. Much of his work utilizes symbols, found objects, and an activist spin on "art for art's sake." He chooses his medium(s) based on his idea and message, although many of his pieces are characterized by essentialist minimalism. This lends itself toward the use of satirist humor, often mirroring and exaggerating cultural ills while throwing the result back at the viewer. Some of his recent work is collaborative, teaming with his sister who is a fine artist, or friends who specialize in elements of video or photography. Results of his medium-blending include stop-motion video, posters, performance art based photography and video, and ties to traditional church themes and literary characters.

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