Exploring Depth and Structure in Everyday Objects.
Have you ever looked at an everyday object and wondered what it would reveal if you took it apart and reshaped it? Ryan Goolsby, an artist based in Dallas, Texas, takes this curiosity to the next level. By fusing traditional woodworking techniques and cutting-edge digital fabrication, Goolsby creates works that play with depth, form, and structure, challenging our perception of familiar objects.
Imagine combining the precision of furniture-making with the creativity of abstract art—that’s the essence of Goolsby’s process. He uses digital tools to design intricate patterns and lines – eventually carving them into wood. These deep cuts expose the raw wood beneath the surface, adding layers of texture. After hand-painting each piece, the carved sections introduce a natural, organic contrast, giving the work a sense of depth that feels mechanical and human.
One of the most captivating aspects of Goolsby’s art is how he manipulates space. His pieces don’t simply sit on the wall – they interact with it. His designs often cut through the wood, leaving apertures that allow you to see the wall behind them. This concept invites us to consider the relationship between the artwork, its environment, and ourselves.
Goolsby’s fascination with architecture and social spaces shines through in his large-scale works. In one of his past installations, a striking green piece was designed to fill a corner of the gallery, demonstrating his ability to integrate his art with the space around it.
With his ability to combine traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, Goolsby creates artwork that encourages us to see beyond the surface – prompting us to question the ordinary objects that fill our everyday lives. The intricate cuts and patterns often reveal new dimensions, reminding us that meaning can be found in the most unexpected places.
Featured in our collection below, Control, 2022.
Image at top of post: Ryan Goolsby with an installation at Greenhill School in Dallas.
