Artist Profile: Ryan Gobeli
For Ryan Gobeli, art comes from his soul. It reflects his likes, dislikes and personality. Ryan feels imaginative when creating art—and first started when he was three years old (and had cancer). He also likes fantasy, science-fiction and comic books, occasionally basing artwork off of them. Music and TV shows are other sources of inspiration by helping Ryan come up with the subject matter for new pieces. Ultimately, he wants people to be intrigued and interested when they see his art.
1) What guides your creative process?
Mostly it depends on the picture and materials I have on hand. And my imagination when it comes to the backgrounds. Pretty much whatever I come up with reflects my own unique creativity. Comics have also inspired me to some degree.
2) What is your favorite medium to work with? Acrylic and canvas mostly.
3) What new artwork you are looking forward to creating this year?
Magnets, buttons, plus more commissions and request pieces. I currently accept animal and pet commissions. I will also make frames for commissions if requested (out of cherry wood or pine).
4) How would you like to see more disabled artists' work showcased in Wisconsin (or around the Midwest as a whole)?
I would like to see it, but I don’t know what format this will be in. I would for sure enjoy this happening more. Increased funding is also important. Like if somebody contacted me for a commission and offered more funding for extra pieces or materials. I would like to have a comic book store; and live above it with a painting studio (but not in the comic book store).
*Other fun facts ArtWorking artist Ryan Gobeli wanted to share with those interested in how and why animals are often the focus of this his work include:
I have had 4 dogs in my life and they have all been very important to me. Pongo was my first dog; then we had Rex. Rex was a big german shepherd and lab mix. He was a love bug and loved to get in your lap. He wasn’t the smartest dog, but he was entertaining! Now we have Shadow and Mercy. Mercy is part Texas Heeler and Shadow is an American Akita.
I also have had a lot of cats in my life. BattleCat was the first. He was a Russian Blue. Bob (which we got from our neighbors) was next. Davy Jones is our elder cat now. Plus we also have Fred and Bethany, who are both big snugglers.