Ryan Albrecht grew up in the outdoors near beautiful Durango, Colorado. As soon as he could hold a pencil, he began drawing. Recognizing his innate artistic ability, his parents enrolled him in many art classes and also in private lessons. Consequently, he took many classes and, at times, took private lessons.

In his youth, Ryan helped his Grandfather with horses and cattle on his ranch. He was taught to value animals, the land, and the country he came to love. Hunting respectfully was a part of life for him and his family. He is a strong proponent of the traditional American freedoms, and he acknowledges the responsibility that goes along with those freedoms, including the responsible use of firearms.

Always the nature lover, Ryan hiked and camped often, always with a sketch pad close at hand. He found his interest heavily drawn toward birds. He read everything he could about them and became the area’s unofficial bird doctor at a young age. Later the opportunity arose for him to become a licensed falconer and he has been privileged to practice the ancient sport of falconry for many years.

In college Ryan studied horticulture, arboriculture, and landscape design. He has worked as a landscaper and as an I.S.A. certified arborist for many years. He lived in Japan for two years and has returned several times touring many of the famous Japanese gardens. The principles of Japanese design naturally influence his landscaping, tree sculpting, and artwork.

Ryan was introduced to carving by Dr. Lew Jensen, father of the straight high-speed engraving tool and founder of the I & E Network. Through the network, Ryan met master artist and world champion woodcarver, Craig Hone. The art foundation developed in his earlier years along with the continuing training received from Craig Hone has helped Ryan carve with immaculate precision. He strives for perfection in each piece of art he creates.