Get To Know An Artist: Bryan Woodford (PART 1)

Yosemite Valley in Winter, Bryan Woodford (2022)
    
    Merriam-Webster defines multitalented as “having more than one special talent or skill.”   When searching for this attribute in an artist, one would be hard-pressed to find a candidate embodying this definition more than Bryan Woodford.  I first stumbled across Bryan’s diverse body of work on social media, and have been a fan ever since.  I, therefore, thought it fitting to include him in my quest to learn as much as I can about artists— both past and present—and to share their stories with others.  Following, is my long-distance interview with Mr. Woodford:

Flying Dog Studio (FDS): Tell us some things about yourself—anything you would like for the reader to know.

Bryan: “A good friend who has a doctorate in education and specializes in elementary curriculum would tell me 'Bryan, you are a classic kinesthetic learner'  which means I learn best while actually performing a task or while in motion.  It is learning through experience rather than reading about the subject when I learn best.   At times I would find this frustrating when comparing myself to those I perceived to me more cerebral learners but over time I came to realize most cerebral learners I worked with admired my unique way of doing things.

My parents handled my learning style well as they always encouraged my involvement in sports and crafting things with my hands.  I can still see my mother's hands as we worked together on a variety of craft projects when I was in grade school!”

Michael, B. Woodford (2018)
FDS: You work in, both, painting and woodworking.  Which one was your first medium to explore, and do you prefer one over the other?

Bryan: “I remember sketching while bored in elementary classes, mostly hot rod cars or dragsters, but activity was always what I (literally) ran to!  Besides sports, I was constantly making or building something so woodwork developed early and by my late teens I was earning income building items or working on carpentry projects.

So, woodwork was my first medium to explore and then training in architectural & mechanical drafting in college helped tremendously to refine the skills I had been learning through carpentry experience.  I didn't realize it then but my drafting skills would parlay into painting and some work opportunities as a draftsman and I experimented with watercolors as time permitted.  Because of my love for woodworking, many opportunities came my way professionally and I would always gravitate to challenging and creative projects.  This put me in the orbit with many talented artisans and being around professional artists in my work.

Now,  I prefer painting as it is easier physically but woodwork still invigorates me especially when the scent of particular woods fill the shop or warm shavings flying from a planer land on my forearms!”


FDS: Who/what inspired you to become an artist?

Bryan: “Undoubtedly my mother had a huge influence on me as she taught me to work with my hands and make things at an early age.  I always remember wanting to build something.  The first woodwork project I made was a motel/cage enclosure for my 13 guinea pigs!  It went through several remodels but as I recall it looked like a mid-century motel when completed and had a long balcony on the second floor.  I'm laughing as I think about that project and what a great memory of mine from the time I was about 10 years old!

One of the first times I really connected to the idea of being an artisan or artist I was about 20 years old and had completed a relief carving on the interior of a cedar chest I had built.  A neighbor offered me what seemed like a fortune for it but it was a gift for someone.  I took a lot of pride in the idea that I could make money doing something creative!”


FDS: How often do you find yourself creating art?

Bryan: “If I count time thinking of a painting or actually building something with wood I say I am creating each day.  I believe far more time is spent thinking of a project whether it is painting or woodwork than the time it takes to actually execute the idea.”

FDS: Considering your paintings, how would you describe your artistic style?  How did you develop this style?

Bryan: “I would say my style is a realist although this is ongoing in regards to both painting or woodwork.  I want my paintings to be realistic but not photocopies and hope a painting is reflective of my awe for the subject.  I believe that by immersing myself in the process and making brushstrokes intuitively the painting just might achieve a good result. 

I am drawn to big spaces in landscapes where the scenery is unaltered by man.  As I've studied various artists and works which I admire I try to absorb the brush marks and compositions of the artist.  One very helpful question I ask myself regarding art or craft is "How did this person build this?"  Whether it is a painting, a sculpture, a cabinet or a house I try to condense a process to that basic question.  Watching and learning a process is important and then practice, practice practice applies!!  

Early American landscape artists such as Edgar Payne, Frederick Church, Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, and the early Taos Society painters are some of the painters I try to emulate.” 


The UP Chicken Tractor, B. Woodford (2023)
FDS: You create so many wonderful woodworking projects.  Can you see this medium influencing other areas of your life?

Bryan: “Woodwork was an early passion for me.  As a child at home and in my first apartment I always had a bit of a dust cloud in the making!  To me, love for the process of making something is paramount for excellent results.  My experience has always been that I am attracted to others with similar skills and creative imaginations.  I believe it is God's way to affirm our talents and gifts.  By excelling at woodwork many doors opened to working relationships with artists and helped me to grow in my skillsets.”


Rainbow Bridge, B. Woodford (2022)
FDS: How has your style changed over time?

Bryan: “I have become more selective of any woodwork projects I take on now.  I love to experiment but also I find myself admiring simpler ideas.  Instead of fancy veneer work on curved surfaces I like items which are more approachable and something that is achievable by amateur crafters.  One more recent example is a cutting board from bamboo plywood in the shape of a state where the customer lives.  It seems people appreciate those as much as any fancy high end work I have done in my career!

In regards to painting I will stick with the realist style and I hope to paint better ... it is so subjective.  I have tried abstracts and it just doesn't strike a chord in my heart.  I love to mix historical information into the story of a painting and that helps me see my place in this huge thing called life.   We are here for just a short time and to be able to express a few experiences onto a canvas is a true blessing.  Perhaps a viewer connects to that place and atmosphere when they look at a painting I have made.”


FDS: What are your future goals for your art?

Bryan: “I would like to focus on marketing my paintings more and to improve them as I grow.  Fortunately I have been able to earn a living through woodwork commissions and the need to sell paintings for income isn't pressing.  So often artists say they are 'self taught'  but I really don't think it is possible to do that.  We all learn from one another and this exercise of sharing my creative views with you the students is another learning experience for me.  We constantly evolve as creatives and add to our skills and potential with each experience.”


Yosemite Falls, B. Woodford (2022)
FDS: There are so many of your paintings that I love!  If you have a favorite piece, please share that with us, along with why it is your favorite.

Bryan: “So far one favorite painting is of Yosemite Falls.  That one to me takes the viewer right there and I remember as I worked on it most of the brushwork just kind of happened by intuition.  plus,  it is in a National Park and I adore these places .. I would love it if each person alive has the opportunity to sit quietly at the edge of the Grand Canyon or experience the roar of the falls in Yellowstone or Yosemite!

A favorite woodwork piece is one I call 'Emergence' .. overall, it is a simple thing but is rooted in mythology legends of the Hopi people and in many ways the transformative resurrection of Christ.  It is about rebirth, the difficulty of finding that truth in one's heart and embracing a new life.”


Emergence, B. Woodford (2006)
FDS: Do you ever find yourself with “artist block”?  How do you navigate through those times?

Bryan: “I don't identify with artist block.  Over the years I recognize ideas I want to pursue by being patient.  The ideas that persist become what I then pay attention to and eventually execute the idea.  To me it is important not to fret over what I think I should be getting done and what is actually happening.  I usually work best when I have 4 or 5 or more things going at once.  For instance, right now I have three paintings near the easel, a trellis project for our wysteria and windows for our 'glow room' greenhouse all in process.  So, when my mind doesn't comprehend how to proceed on one idea I shift to another piece I am working on.  

My 'go to' for inspiration is to go somewhere and look at a beautiful vista and be thankful to God for that particular moment.  This most often refreshes me and I gain a better perspective and energy for my projects.”


FDS: What advice can you give young people who are hoping to join the artist community?

Bryan: “Be patient.  Take action.  Study lots of art in person.  Be quiet in an art museum or gallery and listen to the promptings of The Creator working in your heart and mind.  Combine the work of your hands with your heart and your mind.  Be patient.  Take action.  The right ideas and people will come into your life to help you on your creative trek!”


FDS: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Bryan: “No matter our age or experience, trust yourself.  That inner voice sometimes whispers, sometimes boldly speaks to us as creatives. I believe God works that way and when we do proceed with the inspiration try not to be fearful.  I say that to myself on a regular basis.  Seek God's guidance and wisdom to utilize your ever-developing skills!”

    When observing Bryan Woodford’s work, it is quite obvious he has listened to that inner voice.  Of course, it requires diligence in learning a craft; but, more importantly, it requires a talent that only God can bestow.  Through his art, Bryan has honored both the gift and the Creator.  

    A huge THANK YOU to Bryan for sharing his work and time.  Keep an eye out for PART 2 of this interview, where the artist will give some insight into some of the pieces in this post.  To view more of Bryan’s art, please see his social media link here: Woodford Arts and Crafts and Flickr



“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬

    


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