Schmidt’s creative interest started at the early age of five in Origami and Constructs. Later during his school years he explored into painting and photography; excelling in both set a definite artistic direction. Throughout his childhood years he spent the weekends and summers learning to work with wood, metal and plastic in his father’s business of custom remodeling, landscaping, and handcrafted playgrounds. Transitioning into college, he furthered his studies in photography, painting, drawing, color and design, printmaking, ceramics, and finally transitioned into sculpture. Schmidt began working in cast aluminum, later in bronze, and ultimately found the everlasting properties of stainless steel with its brilliant reflection to be most satisfying. In 2002, he established Rykan Expedition, Inc. and started combining landscaping, water fountains and outdoor sculpture. Later, he moved to Los Angeles and spent 5 years to focus more on producing sculptures while establishing his gallery relationships. Schmidt returned to his hometown in Bryant, Arkansas in 2015 to expand the production of sculptures and opened another studio in San Antonio, Texas in 2018. He is currently affiliated with the International Sculpture Center and Texas Artists Coalition.
His mission is to share the gift of inspiration through reflection with the passion for stainless steel and desires to build sculpture that will last for many generations to come.