Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Gayler.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was extremely interested and involved in art when I was a child. The first time I realized that I had talent was in 4th grade when two school district employees in grey suits enthusiastically praised my drawing of a polar bear laying on a block of ice. A year and a half later, I gave up drawing when my parents divorced. I didn’t want to go anywhere near things that might bring up the emotions I was avoiding. Even though I avoided these triggers, I kept gravitating toward creative fields. I studied advertising in college, eventually getting a degree in marketing. Went on to work in stock photography, helping to design the visuals for ads and brochures. I then became an actor with the urging of friends who were in the business.
This is where things started to change. I studied method acting with an excellent teacher who made me visit and mine these painful feelings and memories for use in my craft. It was very therapeutic, it allowed me to accept these painful memories and to relinquish the fear they carried. The interest in creating art came back when I was house sitting for a friend in Topanga Canyon. He forgot to pay his propane and cable bills, which left me very cold and without entertainment. While thinking of something to do, a thought came to me, “I used to draw when I was younger.” The next day, I went to the art store and purchased oil pastels. While still acting, I explored many different types of art, finally settling on assemblage. When my wife became pregnant with our first child, I quit acting and had to give up assemblage. My studio was now going to be the baby’s room. I had to find something I could do that wouldn’t take up space. Drawing. Everything had come full circle. Thank You.
Please tell us about your art.
I draw. I have created my own style of stippling. Stippling is the black and white version of pointillism. I don’t just make dots, I let whatever happens when I tap the pen on the paper or board. I will also use line at times. I work almost exclusively in black and white. I have also ventured into printing with linocuts.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Stay open. Don’t be afraid of experimenting. Remember that there are no mistakes in art. Do what you love, it will show through.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am a member of Los Angeles Art Association. I have pieces in shows there when my work is selected. I also do shows in the L.A. area, when I am selected. You can also see my work at richardgayler.com and on Instagram at richardgayler.
Contact Info:
- Website: richardgayler.com
- Email: rbgayler@ymail.com
- Instagram: richardgayler
- Facebook: Richard Gayler
Image Credit:
Richard Gayler
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