As published in Richmond Hill Neighbors — When most people think of the visual arts they naturally gravitate to the mediums of painting, drawing, illustration, photography and sculpture. All too often graphic design is overlooked as being fine art. After all, it was Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes and Campbell soup cans that changed what the world considered to be art. Undeniably they too are viable art objects, with just as much concept, effort, time and money going into creating them as that of a painting.

The work of local artist Brian Gilbert is in essence, graphic design. Each piece is pleasantly unexpected, graphically inclined and cleverly color driven. A former officer in the U.S. Army, Gilbert has lived half his life close to the water exploring the Low Country. His fascination with landscapes, transformed into dreamscapes are obvious.

“I lived with my grandfather growing up. He was one of the original inkers for Fleischer Brothers Studio in Miami. He worked on the original Superman, Popeye and Betty Boop cartoons,” says Gilbert. “He later became a prominent sign painter in Atlanta, and I would often help out at his sign shop. I maintain my connection with my grandfather by adding elements to my pieces that are inspired by graphic novels, comic art and hand lettering.”

This connection also drives his passion to create layered photographic images that become digital works of art using a multitude of filters and effects. Because this is a process that favors perfection, he is appreciative and accepting of glitches that happen while adding spray paint, oils, acrylics and encaustics. The end results are vast expanses of color — the one thing above all that inspires him most as an artist.

Brian has been a member of the Arts on the Coast for more than a year. “I joined the Arts on the Coast because I wanted to connect with other artists and also to be inspired by the work that they are creating. The Arts on the Coast is a great art community enabler, especially now that I am beginning to focus more time on my fine art work,” concluded Gilbert.

Recently interviewed on Connect Savannah’s podcast, Gilbert is currently the artist in residence at Victory North in Savannah. His work can be seen in person at the Savannah Convention Center, Telfair Museum’s FAAA, the home design showcase at The Reserve at Savannah Quarters, the Photopoint Gallery and Arts on the Coast Gallery. Visit him on the web at Daily Dose of Coast (dailydoseofcoast.com), a platform designed to promote local artists.

The Arts on the Coast Gallery is open on select weekdays from 11 am - 2 pm. The Arts on the Coast Estes Gallery located inside Great Oaks Bank is open Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. The Photopoint Gallery and Leahy Art Gallery are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. All local artists are strongly encouraged to visit and join the Arts on the Coast at artsonthecoast.org.