Greetings everyone, I’m Ryan Burch, a proud Monrovia native. I was born here in 1986, with my earliest days spent in a cozy home on Lime Avenue before moving to Mayflower Village in ’88. El Sur Street became my playground, and it’s where my deep love for this town blossomed. Growing up, I immersed myself in sports, always driven by the physical creativity they demanded. Basketball, in particular, captured my heart. After college, I began channeling that same passion and creativity into art, exploring different forms of expression. Over time, I’ve developed a style and voice in my paintings that have attracted many collectors all over the world and granted me access to success on a global scale, even landing showcases through Europe, South America, Asia and a solo show in London. While my artistic journey is always evolving, I’m also focused on raising my two incredible boys, Caiden and Connor, and sharing life’s adventures with my wonderful girlfriend, Jenna Estrada.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
Two years after we moved to Mayflower Village, my sister Regina was born. Like any siblings, we fought, but spent most nights playing under the streetlights that seemed to stay on forever. We’d ride bikes, skateboard, and loiter at the nearest liquor store. That’s where I fell in love with graffiti. And while that may be subjective, the beauty of urban art has always made me smile.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Inspired by graffiti, I started painting on the streets in 2009. With basketball behind me, street art became my new passion. I created a persona, a nighttime artist known as “Sellout,” using the streets as my canvas. Before I knew it, the streets started giving back in the form of recognition. People began noticing my work, and soon galleries and collectors were willing to pay good money for it. By 2020, I was not only painting murals across the U.S., but also showcasing my art on an international level. While I’ve always loved what I do, I’ve realized recently that what matters most is bringing that passion back to where it all started. It’s given me the chance to reconnect with my community, share the inspiration and pass on what I’ve learned.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Well my friends at Copper Still Grill deserve a shoutout. Hey Steve! Diplomat is another big one on my list. You can catch me and my girlfriend at Grey & Cash pretty often. And Baja Mar is pretty much a staple in our home.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I lived in Pasadena from 2006 to 2018 and moved back to Monrovia in 2019. The memories we have made as a family now are incredible, but I will say that Fourth of July and Halloween will always be special to us here.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Casey Harrington of Casey’s Barbershop has been a huge source of support for me. We met in 2019, and he immediately became invested in my work, buying over seven pieces for his personal collection. We became friends quickly, and what I’ve learned from him—about business and growth —has been irreplaceable.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If money was no issue— Singapore; if we are going on my dime— Bali
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
One of my favorite movies of all time is Nice Guys. Pretty dang funny, I gotta say. And of course I have a favorite show! I hate when people answer that question with “I don’t really watch tv”… but yea it’s The Office alongside The Wire. Two totally different shows but amazing entertainment none the less.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
Set goals—at all levels. Have goals you can easily achieve, ones that require a bit more effort, and big, ambitious goals that take time, hard work, and planning. We’re wired for achievement, and once you start hitting the small milestones, you’ll see how they set the stage for accomplishing the bigger ones.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to be on Survivor or something like it.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
That’s hard but ultimately the band Tool is just insanely good.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
That pet shop that used to be on Myrtle and was in Beethoven. Too young for the Brass Elephant and 4th Dimension, but I remember them. Strangely I remember Sizzler on Foothill really well, too.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would probably say Jim Carrey. He is great at showing a wide range of emotions, which is key for deep conversations. He’s got a solid acting background but has shifted to art now. It’d be awesome to talk about how we both found our passion for painting. As for lunch, he seems like the kind of guy who’d like Cafe Mundial.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
It really is the community itself that’s unique.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
??sorry couldn’t come up with something
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have two different colored eyes, but my friends and family definitely know that.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I think I would have to say San Juan, Puerto Rico, when the sun is setting on a nice cool summer night is pretty amazing. I also have an affinity for Hyde Park in London.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My two sons are my greatest achievement. Beyond that, I’ve turned a street-level passion into a thriving career, with my work now featured in galleries and on murals where people truly appreciate it. However, my proudest accomplishment is the journey I’m on, and what excites me most is the knowledge that I’m still evolving and growing.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A night out with the family in Palm Springs is probably one of my 10/10 moments
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My girlfriend, Jenna, and my kids. There really is no other answer.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
Public art— the amount of impact beautifying a city has an everyone in the community is astounding. There are even some studies that have suggested anxiety levels of a community can even be lowered by outdoor art in public places. It’s amazing when you sit down and study it.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Grit, Passion, Commitment
