Today we’d like to introduce you to Winston Secrest.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Winston. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I come from a family of an artist in which I’ve basically learned most of what I know through observation. I’m obsessed with the process. Growing up in a household of artists: studios, organized workspace and art material framework fascinated me. Growing up in Southern California, our many mountain ranges and vast coastline arouse my creative left brain the most. The natural world is where I feel the most “at home” so it ends up finding its way into all my pieces in some capacity. I primarily use salvaged wood for my canvas’ but I’m always incorporating new items which help with my progression and help fight off stagnant art pieces. For my brush stroke, I have chosen a 1300 degree soldering iron. This form of priographics is inspired by my love for simplicity in the art as well as pictographs and scientific illustration which uses similar techniques. I also build large-scale sculptural art in which 80% of the material is salvage wood remilled into new lumber.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The art world is a strange one riddled with contradicting philosophies of being true to oneself, not selling out, and staying away from commissioned work. Because I am a woodworker as well, I have no problem collaborating with the buyer. I think this has made it a bit easier for me than just making stuff and hoping people like it. I do both.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Winston Rylee Design – what should we know?
On the design side of my craft, I re-mill wood that I’ve salvaged from building that are going to be demolished. I have a very unique take on salvaged material: my goal is to design minimal, modern interior furniture and light fixtures that have all the history and wear on display. It is a balance that I continue to cultivate. I would say that my trademark style is building store displays that are clean, clever and functional. I primarily use salvaged wood for my canvas’ but I’m always incorporating new items which help with my progression and help fight off stagnant art pieces. For my brush stroke, I have chosen a 1300 degree soldering iron. This form of priographics is inspired by my love for simplicity in the art as well as pictographs and scientific illustration which uses similar techniques. I also build large-scale sculptural art in which 80% of the material is salvage wood remilled into new lumber.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I truly believe that the time, thought and energy you put into an art piece/project is encapsulated in the piece. You are basically filling this inadament object with your thoughts, style, blood, sweat and tears. That energy is now trapped in this piece and emits a low hum of thought and creativity till it is dismantled or destroyed. So, the quality of design and craftsmanship comes from how intimate you get with a piece and how much time you spend developing it. I feel it is easy to see as night and day.
Contact Info:
- Website: WinstonRylee.com
- Phone: (626) 644-5863
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @winstonryleedesign
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