The Wildlife Artistry of Rod Random

There is a sense of reverence etched into each work created by local artist Rod Random. His love of nature indelibly captured in wood, or painstakingly painted upon canvas. Each stroke of his brush, each cut of his chisel, brings the creatures of woodland and marsh to life.

Driftwood and mrytle bush sculptures

A self-taught artist, Rod Random has had a long love affair with both nature and art. His artistic career began with work in commercial graphic designs, ad writing, video production and creative directorship. Rod didn't become interested in fine art until after he left the commercial world behind. His talents are as diversified as his art, as he is also an accomplished musician, and an avid gardener (his hot sauce and pickled peppers are the stuff of legend).

A clever painting of two birds, the kingfisher is easy to see but can you find the other bird?

Rod's work includes painting, carving, sign making and bas relief. He has created works for Ducks Unlimited through their Atlanta Georgia office. Using pieces of cypress driftwood and wild myrtle bush, he creates delicate sculptures of egrets and herons. There is often a sense of playful mischievousness to his work, pictures hidden within pictures. Other pieces are filled with mystic symbolism, and the wisdom of ancient Indian legends.

A life-like carved dolphin fish

His work recently won him a Merit Award in Fort White at their Native American Art Show. Examples of his art are on display at the "Catch the Drift" gallery in Old Town.