Ripple - The River Series depicts representations inspired by areas near and around the river. Growing up on the Macquarie River on Wiradjuri land, Sophie Ryan portrays rushing water, rolling hills, river stones, sheoak trees and twisting root systems through gestural brush strokes and embodiment to portray a sense of energy and movement surrounding the river.

Sophie draws on the element of water and the idea that water is not only a part of ourselves, but an element, a source of life, and part of grander energy systems. Water settles and flows, it holds energy within it, and is a powerful catalyst. Rivers are subject to change, from droughts to floods, to banks washing away, to human impact. The artist draws from the river and admires the sense of resilience and ability to adapt to its environment.

Water is ever changing and ever moving. After the rain, the small creek and the river that runs through the property becomes rushing and bustling with life. The sound of the movement of water along stones, wind through the trees, and birds in the distance is all encompassing. Sophie creates a sense of movement and vitality through the use of colour, layering, and gestural brush strokes.

It is important to acknowledge, The Wiradjuri people are the people of the three rivers – the Wambool (Macquarie), the Calare (Lachlan) and the Murrumbidgee . They have lived in these lands and along these rivers for more than 40,000 years.