SHREVEPORT, La. (Arklatex Today) – This artist is Shreveport’s secret weapon for extravagant events and installations.
Ryan McCutcheon is far from the standard artist, working with more than just paint and a canvas. You may have seen his work but not even realized it. His visual art has been displayed at major events and organizations, such as Sciport’s events like Gameport and Snowport, at Mardi Gras grand bals, and more.
McCutcheon was born and raised in Shreveport. Life threw him a curveball and he wasn’t able to do more physical things, like sports, due to a medical diagnosis. So at a young age, McCutcheon decided he would be an artist. Creativity after all was his second nature and as he got older, no matter how hard he tried to work a normal nine to five, art always made its way back into his life.
Ryan McCutcheon
His brand is JRyanArtist, and he is a fabrication artist and a maker, clients come to him with a bare idea of what they want and he brings his creativity. He invents and designs installations of art from the ground up. Starting with just a concept in his mind, to a sketch, then setting it up on his large-scale laser cutter and building the art piece by piece.
The material he works with is a combination of wood, paint, screws, foam, or whatever he will need to bring his idea to life. His tools often are miter saws, table saws, photoshop, his tablet, and most importantly, his large laser cutting machine.
McCutcheon does many types of art, such as murals, sculptures, and graphic design, but his favorite art is his interactive pieces.
Not only does his creative work make our community events extravagant but it also brings artists together in collaboration. He was one of the founders of the art collaboration group, Lab Rat Arts. A group of artists of all ages that learn and inspire each other, as well as help each other find creative work.
McCutcheon and fellow artists, Steve Zihlavsky, and a man they call a master artist and mentor, Johnny, started Lab Rats Arts when they met on a big project. Then Shreveport Regional Arts Council held an art battle event and that’s where the name “Lab Rat” stuck.
Other artists that are members of Lab Rat Arts, include KSLA journalist and multi-media/mix medium artist Brittney Hazelton, photographer & writer Ryan Hazelton, digital artist Alex Richardson, painter Tammy Zihlavsky, and Jeff Leon.
Be sure to check out more art by Ryan McCutcheon on his website at https://jryanartist.com/ or on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JRyanArtist.
Discover more about this other Lab Rat Arts member, Alex Richardson in his interview at https://www.arklatextoday12.com/2023/10/21/arklatex-artistry-alex-richardson-creates-vibrant-digital-art-challenging-traditional-art-standards/.
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