Brian Ragsdale
Dublin, US-0-NH
Artist | Writer | Psychologist| Educator |Scholar - [email protected]
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Brian L. Ragsdale is a celebrated mixed-media artist recognized for his vibrant use of acrylic paint, markers, found objects, and cut paper. His passion for art was ignited in 5th grade, influenced by an inspiring teacher who introduced him to the concept of negative space. He earned his BS in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from Morgan State University in the mid-1980s, where his exceptional talent led to him being named the Outstanding Student in Art. Influenced by his early career in freelance graphic design and illustration in South Norwalk, CT, where he collaborated with prominent clients such as IBM and Pepsi-Cola, Ragsdale's artwork seamlessly blends artistic expression with design principles.
In the late 1980s, Ragsdale gained acclaim for his skillful watercolor portrayal of a sailboat at an exhibition hosted by the Stamford Art Club. His artistic journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the acceptance of his mixed-media masterpiece, "Cows of Cornish," into a highly esteemed juried exhibit at the Richards Library Art Center in Newport, NH, his former hometown, in 2013.
My paintings are often created with palette knives, acrylics, and mixed media, tools that allow me to move quickly and intuitively. I let the artwork guide me, trusting the process to reveal narratives I didn't know I was carrying. Each piece is an invitation to feel without explanation or apology.
I am currently expanding into international exhibitions to connect with broader audiences who appreciate work rooted in cultural depth, emotional insight, and spiritual inquiry.
Statement
Art helps us reconnect to our inner vibrancy, and it can hold special memories.
My work explores the interplay between memory, identity, and the spiritual dimensions of Black life. Using bold colors, layered textures, and abstract forms, I create imagined portraits and emotional landscapes that speak to both personal and collective histories.
Drawing from my background as a psychologist, writer, and lifelong artist, I merge visual storytelling with themes of resilience, healing, and ancestral presence.
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