Ryan Wilder’s passion for marbles began in 1998 after finding a lamp filled with old German marbles at an antique shop in his home-state of Maine. Early exploration of the various facets of the marble-collecting hobby led him to his greatest passion - contemporary handmade marbles.

Collecting soon turned into crafting, as Ryan honed his skills working with hot glass. In 2003 he built a studio where he spent many hours developing his self-taught ability to make beautiful marbles.

Ryan says “Crafting marbles started a new direction in my life at a time I needed it most, culminating in the creation of a leading interest - contemporary sulphides.” Ryan is one of very few modern artists reproducing the vintage sulphide style (in which a previously formed figure is entrapped within the sphere). "I grew up surrounded by the wildlife of Maine," says Ryan, "so when I incorporate animals in my work, it's like a part of me is in the marble as well.

Unlike vintage Sulphides, Ryan uses colored porcelain figurals in his orbs, providing an added splash of color many collectors prefer.

Add as much of Ryan's work as you like to your cart, it will ship direct from the artist for a flat $5 S/H!