About
Dustin Goolsby was raised in Polk County, Florida. As a pacifying hobby for his parents’ sanity, Dustin was given his first drawing pad at 3 years old but that didn’t stop him from drawing on everything. Crayons to comics he was led to practicing figurative drawing and this aided his acceptance to Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland, Florida. Dustin’s work there was heavily illustrative, with a natural eye for design. However, more expressive fine arts had always been a stronger interest.
After high school Dustin decided to attend a small private college in Temple Terrace, Florida to pursue spiritual growth and liberal studies. The art program wasn’t strong, and his office jobs left him longing for creative expression. After realizing art was an essential part of his life and all future pursuits would surround it, Dustin reconnected with his high school professor and mentor. He has now decided art is no longer a hobby, but a life path.
Dustin’s current work has developed from his love of rust, patina, chipped paint, age and deterioration. The acrylic medium allows quick layering of story after story on a still surface creating a sort of history. This overlapping of colors and textures expresses his fascination with the decay of both industrial and organic elements. Surfaces which are usually ignored or unseen by many, capture his attention and inspire him to share with the world. Dustin thinks of his art as an extension of what he experiences in these things, and thus expresses how he sees the world.
Awards
2020-2022 Board Member of Professional Assoc of Visual Artists
2020 Excellence at Suncoast Arts Festival
2019 Distinction at FAFO Ocala Arts Festival
2019 Honorable Mention at PAVA Annual Member Exhibit
2018 Distinction at GFAA Winter Fine Arts Fair of Tioga
2017 Merit at GFAA Winter Fine Arts Fair of Tioga
2017 Excellence at FAFO Ocala Arts Festival
2017 *Featured Artist* at FAFO Ocala Arts Festival
2016 Excellence at Junior League Dunedin Art Harvest
2015 Merit at FAFO Ocala Arts Festival