For almost half of my life, I have wrestled with a form of OCD that is fixated on my skin and hands. Being an artist and having this disorder has created a vexing dichotomy: I see my hands either as a tool that can be exploited by my OCD or one that can create beautiful things. Much of my personal digital illustration work explores this complicated relationship. Visually inspired by the cutouts of Henri Matisse, these bright colors and whimsical shapes create overtones of hope and healing, as well as a sense of escape from the feelings of anxiety that often accompany this disorder. This visual aesthetic of color and playfulness bleeds into a lot of my other work as well. When I design something, I want it to remind people of the joy and beauty in the world that exists alongside whatever struggles they are encountering. I pull my illustrations into my design work to bring in an element of human touch and connection that we so desire.
Bryan Oliver Gallery At Whitworth University 