Ryan Hulbert

Sunday, May 2, 2010

New Painting

I spend alot of time looking. I think many of my paintings are related to images I have stored up in my 22 years of existense. All around Columbus, Ohio where I live are numerous suburbs with ,what I like to call, cookie cutter houses. Similar design, garage in front, neutral colored siding. The idea in living in one of those communities is terrifying to me. Everything looks the same. Those houses look just like boxes. Of course Im sure all these things have been made apparent in pop culture references, but Im interested in the sugject for new paintings. I think they represent the normal way of living. The idea of live it up in college, have your fun, get a job, get married, have kids, then retire to have fun again before you physically can't. Thats what i think about everytime i see a new suburban community. Loss of individualism. I think that has become a side affect of progress, especially in America. technology affects everything. Houses can be mass produced just like cars. We can all have the same house! With granite countertops! Who wants to have a old house with history and character when you can have a brand new house with a huge masterbathroom with double sinks.
I guess my point in regards to painting is that this loss of individualism has become an relevant part of the times we live in. At least to me anyway. Just my opinion. I've been looking at Edward Hopper alot recently. What I really take from his work is that it was a direct reflection of the world around him at that time. Many artists, maybe all artists, are influenced by the times they live in. I guess that would be my main point actually. So therefore i want to paint modern suburban communities in all their creepy uniformity. They reflect on social expectations, material wealth, aspirations...etc. Just as Hopper was influenced by the growth of the cinema, the rise of the modern city, and even anticipation of WWII........I am influenced by right now. I've just realised this obvious fact. Technology seems to be the driving force of human civilization. ergo...housing developements.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Untitled, 2010

This painting came about by accident. I was painting a canvas black and halfway through discovered the roof of a house and some other recognizable objects. Its funny how little it takes for a person to recognise something. A idea central to my work. I want the viewer to really look at my paintings. The objects in my paintings need to be discovered. I feel like there isn't much discovery in life anymore. Technology enables the average person to have vast knowledge easily. Takes some of the mystery out of life I think.

Recent Student Painting and my troubles with my work.....

It's been a very interesting year for me as I try to finish college and head out into the "real" world. Much of the time I've felt disconnected. I've doubted if being a painter is what I really want to do one minute and the next I feel as if I'm on the verge of a break through with my work. At times motivation is extremely hard to come by, and my creativity seeems to desert my hand. The work above I view as an aberration. Im still not sure what to make of it. I must feel wrapped up sometimes, unable to break through. I've come to see this painting as an result of my struggles as an artisit.