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At 1620 Workwear, we make gear for the people who build America—on the jobsite, in the community, and everywhere in between. People who use their hands to shape the world. People like Ryan Kelley.
Ryan’s the founder of Wire by Ryan Inc., a wire and metal artist out of Byfield, Massachusetts, whose work blurs the line between trade and art. His pieces range from intricate wire trees rooted in stone to larger welded sculptures—each one a reflection of patience, grit, and craftsmanship.
“I started creating artwork in high school… I’ve always been inspired by trees and rocks and nature and their symbolism and resilience.”
For the last 14 years, Ryan has carved out his own path—without formal schooling, without shortcuts. Just experience, tools, and a respect for the process. The results speak for themselves: a 13-foot steel tree at Alnoba, custom work inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and over 8,000 people taught through his workshops.
But what impressed us most wasn’t just the art—it’s the way Ryan works.
He’s not just sculpting. He’s wiring, welding, grinding, lifting, hauling, framing, and finishing. He’s out there in the woods clearing land one day, doing an install the next, teaching a class the day after that. His skillset is deep. His work ethic, deeper.
“It’s not just making art. It’s really soup-to-nuts fabrication and installation.”
Ryan's work doesn't stop with sculpture. He’s in the middle of building Splitrock Studios, a live-work artist residency tucked deep in the woods of Massachusetts. A space where makers can live, collaborate, and create in harmony with the land.
And of course, he’s building it himself.
Designed from scratch, funded with the help of friends and community, and physically constructed by Ryan with tools and sweat—it’s a tradesman’s dream project, blending self-reliance, creativity, and legacy.
“I built it in Minecraft first… now I’m building the real thing.”
This is the kind of story we love to tell. Not because it’s polished. But because it’s real. It’s proof that America is still built by people with calloused hands, sharp minds, and the kind of work ethic that doesn’t make headlines—but makes a difference.
Ask Ryan what tool matters most to him, and he won’t name something fancy. He’ll point to a pair of pliers—his first—and the ones he has tattooed on his arm. Because the best tools aren’t always the newest—they’re the ones that have been with you through every project, every breakthrough, every lesson.
We build our workwear to serve as tools. As part of the job. Something you rely on—day after day, project after project. And when you’re working with fire, steel, stone, and dirt, like Ryan—your gear matters. You need American-made workwear that doesn’t quit before you do. Gear that holds up, gets better with time, and reflects the same pride you put into your work.
“I’m not a full-time tradesperson. I’m just a guy that does a lot of random stuff… but I still want to be safe and protected and also have durable clothing.”
Ryan’s story reminds us why we do what we do. Why we build the toughest, most comfortable American Made workwear on the market. Because guys like Ryan need gear that matches their hustle. And we’re proud to support that hustle.
Checkout wirebyryan.com and splitrockstudiosbyfield.com, and follow @wirebyryan and @splitrock__studios on Instagram. For the best workwear on the planet, visit 1620usa.com and learn more about 1620 Workwear's company uniform program.
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