Ryan's work focuses on American Indian beadwork, quillwork and basketry from the eastern woodlands and great plains regions as well as iron and woodwork of the fur trade. His interest in history and art came at a young age growing up on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota - the crossroads of the fur trade. Ryan has written several books on the material culture of the fur trade including "The Great Northwest Fur Trade," "For Trade and Treaty," and "Outfits & Advances." Examples of his work can be seen on his website: http://www.rrgale.com.