Biography

Trey Ruland, born in 1994 in Fort Worth, Texas, is a multidisciplinary artist known for his unique approach to contemporary painting, leatherwork, and craftsmanship. Growing up in the increasingly diverse cultural landscape of North Texas, where the Deep South meets the Southwest, Trey developed a deep appreciation for the intersection of nature, history, and culture. Having lived and worked in more rural areas, particularly the High Plains of Texas, has given him an appreciation for the craftsmanship seen in more utilitarian forms of craft, which he seeks to immolate and incorporate in his work.

Residing in the small community of Bonita, near Saint Jo and Nocona, Texas, Trey creates art that challenges conventional aesthetics by blending various media and techniques. He is best known for his captivating animal paintings on canvas and panel, where he often combines bright colors and vivid patterns with animals in their natural forms. This fusion of geometric and organic forms reflects his desire to explore the relationships between nature and modern design.

Trey's work is characterized by his experimentation with different materials and types of paint, often overlaying tooled leather onto spray-painted canvases, or incorporating different finishes of paint to add subtle contrast. His use of bright, patterned backgrounds juxtaposed with neutral, natural forms and materials creates a visual tension that draws the viewer in, encouraging them to find deeper narratives within his pieces.

Through his art, Trey Ruland examines how the past influences contemporary perspectives, inviting audiences to reconsider their ideas and aesthetics in light of the rich tapestry of history and culture that surrounds us. His work continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and offering a fresh, innovative perspective on the world while harkening back to the crafts and materials of the past.