RYLIE TOURTELLOTT

In my opinion, the “why” isn't asked often enough. While this show is personal to me, the art in it is also meant to be a reflection. Each person will experience it differently as they consider our impact on the world around us.

I intentionally designed interactive pieces to make sure we think about what we are doing, how we are doing it, and why. Some of you might assume political views based on what I am discussing, because these topics carry stereotypes. However, my art is not meant to convince or prove anything.

Another impact—not as obvious—is the way everything has become digitized. My friends and family know that most of my artistic skill lies in fine art: drawing, painting, anything hands-on. They also know I often hate technology and get yelled at for ignoring texts, phone calls, or emails.

So with that said, graphic design sounds like a perfect career for me, right? Not entirely. While I’ve learned to love it, it is scary how fast the world is shifting away from fine art. Every time we see artwork, we question the artist’s integrity because it could have been created by AI.

Many of my pieces blend traditional fine art with digital work to represent this change in society. My pieces also tell a personal story. I grew up across the river in Trempealeau, Wisconsin—always outdoors, on the river or in the woods. Much of my photography reflects that environment.

To me, it is more than where I grew up. The outdoors in this area shaped me, strengthened my relationships, and became a place of growth. Nature looks different everywhere you go, but its beauty and complexity remain. It is one of the only parts of life that we can never fully understand, no matter how long we try.