Today we’d like to introduce you to Devlin Wood.
Hi Devlin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been drawing and making art since I can remember, but really began pursuing it professionally when I was 19-20 years old. I had just gotten married, was out on my own and pursuing my dream (in between shifts face painting at Kemah Boardwalk and other jobs through the years).
What began to truly kick off my goals and helped me realize what I wanted to make, was showing work at The Insomnia Gallery in Houston, Texas. A gallery that felt as welcome as a home, saw me through becoming a parent and really helped me believe in myself as a real professional. As the years went on and I dabbled in different niches, I found fantasy art and surrealism in some cases, was the kind of art I wanted to make. Insomnia Gallery gave me a place that truly loved my work, and I began to sell at shows with consistency.
In those years, at 23, I began the long journey of chronic illness. Two types of arthritis and a neuropathy moving fast, I couldn’t use my limbs properly, not like before. And what felt like the end of my career, as I could no longer draw or paint.
I did not give up hope, though, as we can see today! I took a year off of commissions, shows, anything “professional” art related, and took that time to instead relearn. I taught myself again how to do hold the brush, how to remain mostly steady, and so on. There was an acceptance of fact required; I’d never do it exactly like I did before, it will never be the same. But, in spite of that, I’d say I’ve improved!
Another small goal achieved was beginning a shop that sold my art of clothing, shirts, etc., thanks to a small business in Austin, Texas (RawPaw Ink)!
Another obstacle hit my path when policies started changing in Texas so vigorously against women/lgbtqia+ and the treatment of our POC neighbors went even worse.
This, however, triggered the biggest (and maybe best) change I’d made yet my adult life: moving across the country to Connecticut. Everything has changed for me, and sometimes it feels like starting over. But I continue to see how much I’ve grown and achieved in the last 10 years, and can’t wait to see what the next 10 hold!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest bumps in the road was being diagnosed with autoimmune diseases. I got to a point I required a cane to walk, and I was about 25-26 years old? It’s something I battle to this day, and always will, that’s how it goes haha with chronic illnesses, they’re chronic. But I’ve made some major strides in my strength and managing the symptoms.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s always a little tough for me to specify specialty, I often joke being a jack of all trades. I’d say though, I’m most known for my fantasy or psychedelic art. That’s the kind of works that made me so proud when showing at the Insomnia Gallery in Houston, people loved it and I loved making it!
I really love doing commissions, art someone orders personally. Whether it’s a character for dungeons and dragons, a family member gone too soon, or a sweet gesture for your partner, I love being a part of those memories!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Connecticut is literally the size of Houston haha, so I’ve found it to feel like one big city despite having many major cities itself. I’ve been here a year, and really my favorite parts have been how easily people seem to express themselves, and how much the land, wild spaces are appreciate and used properly!
Pricing:
- I have commissions sheets pinned on most of my socials!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devlinwoodart?igsh=M3JkaWdpMG54NWUy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1814vyi8pY/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@devlinwoodart?si=ccP2w0ZzuynPwXob
- Other: https://rawpaw.ink/collections/devlin-wood
Image Credits
All photos and artwork taken by or of the artist, Devlin Wood
