From the beginning, Riis’ art was inspired by a deep interest and curiosity for the many facets of nature. Even as a child, nature and plants, in particular captivated him. Patterns, relationships, harmonies and dissonances are the forces that continue to fascinate him and initially drove him to try to embody them in his art. His original venture into this realm encompassed examining crystalline structures and invisible forces supporting the birth, growth and decay cycle of all living things. Riis sees his sculpture as an exploration–emotional, spiritual and physical–of what is unseen in nature and his work seeks to create a tangible expression of the intangible. The delicate balance between order and chaos, growth and decay of all matter intrigues and inspires him. Through his art his goal is to assist people in gaining a deeper understanding of the depth of beauty to be found in all aspects of nature and the environment.
Select Exhibitions
Macquettes: Foresight, Solo Exhibition, San Francisco
10th Annual Public Sculpture Search, Los Altos, CA
Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa, CA
Neuberg International, Hong Kong
ArtHaus, San Francisco, CA
I.Wolk Gallery, St. Helena
Napa Art Walk, Napa, CA
ArtScape Orinda, Orinda, CA
Olive Grove Gallery, Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford CA
Recognitions
Fresno Museum of Art collection, Fresno, CA
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens collection, Jacksonville, FL
Gallery without Walls-Peoples Choice Winner permanent art collection, Lake Oswego, OR
Kaiser Permanente art collection, San Diego, CA
MGM Mirage Hotel & Casino art collection, Las Vegas, NV
artcommission.com “Installments News Letter”
Featured Artist
International Contemporary Masters, Vol 5
American Art Collector, 2013
American Art Collector, 2014- 2016
Blink Art Resource, 2015