Riley was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and began drawing and sculpting at a very young age. He continued exploring art and art mediums through high school, then entered Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver. He initially enrolled in the Fine Arts program, then he switched to study Industrial Design after being encouraged that it was more “financially practical.” Riley graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design.

In 2018 Riley returned to his passion for fine art and began pursuing his dream of being a full-time artist. Artistic influences span many different eras including Edvard Munch, Emily Carr, Edward Hopper and E.J. Hughes.

Riley has had the pleasure of showing his works at several Vancouver galleries and exhibition spaces, including a current show at the Federation Gallery and an upcoming solo exhibit at the Slice of Life Art Gallery January 23 - 26, 2025.