Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Wood.
Hi Kyle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has been in my life one way or another. As a kid, I was always sketching or creating mud sculptures. As a teenager, I got my first airbrush and sold several custom-designed shirts. At the same time, I was experimenting with oils, pastels, acrylics, pen, and ink. I got various awards for my art such as first place at the county fair and later third place at a regional art show. Texas A and M Commerce was my next move. With a bachelor’s in art, I created illustration and digital illustration for advertising. I worked at Bob Depew’s Studio and latter at Artifx Studio in Dallas. As my life shifted, I found myself working in the high-end retouching world mixed with 3D, illustration, and video work. All the while sketching my fine art ideas at home. After many years in that industry life changed yet again, and I found myself creating my art creations that I had longed to create.
To get exposure, I set up at the local farmers market and started to sell originals and prints. Slowly, I have been gaining patrons. When I set up at the garland big art day, I was approached to for other art shows and was convinced to check out the Goldmark Cultural Center. I was quite impressed when walking though this artist residential studio setup. This was a day that was open to the public to meet the artists and see the art. It has only been a couple of months, but I do love it there. I am creating more art all the time.
My art has been at the Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas several times, most recently with the time travel theme. Also, most recently I had 5 paintings at the Art-Vibe juried art show in Garland.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would not say it has been a smooth road for me, but there is art inside of me that must come out. I feel that I have more ideas than I have time to create. I just keep moving forward. Yes, there have been bumps in the road, such as getting married, getting a house, having two wonderful daughters, pet expenses, and more, but that is all just part of life. I am happy for all that. My health issues have not made it easy financially either, having lung issues and surviving a massive heart attack. On top of all that, it is really difficult to get art exposure. When the people that do like my art find it, I get some great encouragement and usually a sale. I am convinced that every creation has a home. A home with a person that connects with it. Obstacles and challenges are just a part of the journey as an artist. I also think of all the people and situations that helped me along the way and I am very grateful for that. The obstacles and challenges are not going to stop me from creating what comes from inside of me. I am compelled to bring my visions to the world in whatever way possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mostly I create whimsical surrealism, yet I do enjoy painting form more realistic to very primitive, leaning towards retro imagery, symbols especially the playing card hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades. Words can show up now and then when applicable. Many of my creations come from my dreams and visions. I never stop seeing my thoughts. Mixed into all that are tinny philosophies on life and what it means to be human. It can start with a concept for many times it just develops, and I piece the puzzles together. There are times when the painting is fully formed in my mind, and I have to rush to get it onto board or canvas.
As far as media, I do gravitate toward acrylics for its vibrancy and diversity of application. Yet, most of my work is mixed media because I like colored pencils, dies, ink, pencil and spray paint as well as airbrush where needed.
I do find my life to be surreal and enjoy the various worlds that I keep dreaming about and all the wildness that goes on there. Creating art for me is also a way to get people to see past the simplistic shell of our constructed reality and be more open to the realities beyond the mundane. Bringing a smile people’s faces and sometimes making them laugh about absurdities and funny things are just hidden gems in my art. There really is a lot of thought that goes into most of my creations, and drawing people into discover the possible meanings and details of my work is very fulfilling to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Three things make me happy, my two daughters, creating art, and seeing people connect with my art. I am blessed to have two wonderful daughters who are also very talented at 13 and 17. It is will be exciting to see where they go in life. I love them so much. Any time I get to spend time in my studio is awesome to me. When I get in the groove of creating art it is truly my happy place even with all the struggles and challenges.
When I do get a chance to show my art or display it in a place that allows me to connect with others, it can be refreshing to see people’s reactions. I find it quite fascinating how people can have such different descriptions about my art and what it means to them. Whatever intention that I had is not really important in the end. The perceptions of others is what brings meaning to the art.
It makes me happy to see people get excited about my work and connect with it on some level. Obviously, when they want to bring it home is the best because I know it has found its true home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kylewoodcreations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylewoodcreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kylewoodart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylewoodcreations
