Born and raised in New Jersey, I discovered clay through Ethan Brand studio in urban Elizabeth, NJ, where I became studio apprentice. I eventually established a home studio in the Box Canyon community of Los Angeles (in the literal shadow of the Rocket), ultimately re-locating to Indianapolis in 1988. 

I find significance in sharing my understanding of the power and potential of the creative process.

Tim Ryan of Big Nest Ceramics, now based in Indianapolis, is a native of New Jersey, receiving a BA in English from Seton Hall University and attending classes at New York’s Lincoln Center Institute for Arts in Education. A former production potter and current clay artist, Ryan exhibits and sells his work in Central Indiana. He taught at the Indianapolis Art Center for 25 years and at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for 11 years. He has also conducted clay workshops for Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Isanogle, Wabash Valley Day Treatment Program, Young Audiences of Indiana, Indianapolis Public Schools and Camp Awareness, among others, where he focuses on teaching special-needs audiences, particularly youth. Ryan is a past recipient of the Arts Council of Indianapolis’ Creative Renewal Fellowship and advises on arts and disabilities throughout the region.