Gabriel Ryland; leader, lover + designer
THE EASY STUFF
Where do you currently live?
Yolo County, California
Where do you currently work?
University of California, Davis
What’s one thing people would never know about you just by looking at you?
A lot of people don’t know I grew up on a ranch. I love surprising folks with certain skills/abilities like throwing square bales and changing a tire in under ten minutes.
How do you know Alecia?
I moved to Tryon in fifth grade and joined the local county 4-H club. One weekend, a bunch of us kids met at the Ringgold church to learn how to sew pillows. An overly meticulous, firecracker kinda gal named Alecia was there, and I knew immediately that I HAD to be her friend. Seventeen years of dancing in the rain, laughing until tears, deep life talks, countless miles in the car, and so much love – and I wouldn’t change a thing.
THE DEEP STUFF
If you were writing a book about life, what would the back cover of the book say?
If you wrote letters to the most important people in your life, what would you say? If you sent postcards to those who hurt you, where would they be from? If someone sent you a message detailing their strongest memories with you, would you respond?
What does your perfect day look like?
I enjoy the simpler things in life.. fresh coffee in the morning; a day of adventures with those I love; food, food, and probably a little more food; all-night thunderstorms.
Are things in life black + white or are there grey areas? Explain.
Absolutely grey areas. I’ve learned the last few years that, in most cases, life is ‘this or that.. and then some.’
Who is someone you personally know that you look up to?
I strive every day to be a little more like my dear friend Anna. She is an all-around badass.
What is one topic you feel so strongly about that you could talk about it for hours?
Apple. I’m not kidding.
Tell us what you feel the most important part about photography is.
Capturing authentic moments that empower the subject and invoke emotion.
THE GOOD STUFF
How do you take your tea?
black, Jesus Christ no sweetener
If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Does “Grandma Teri’s cooking” count?
What is your guilty pleasure Netflix/Hulu show?
Golden Girls
Tell me about your dog(s).
For the time being, I have to live vicariously through my friends and their floofs.
Instagram Handle
@gaberyland
THE FUN STUFF
Would You Rather: eat Mexican or Asian Food?
Mexican
Would You Rather: explore or relax on vacation?
explore
Would You Rather: make a phone call or send a text?
call
Would You Rather: have four seasons or consistent weather?
four seasons
Would You Rather: humorous or deep-thinking TV series?
humorous
Would You Rather: drive with a podcast or music?
music