We’re thrilled to introduce Gary Goldberg, a distinguished photographer and artist whose remarkable work has recently become part of our curated collection at J Douglas Design.
Gary Goldberg, Professor Emeritus of Art at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, recently retired after an impressive 37 years of teaching. He earned his MFA from the University of Nebraska in 1979 and was honored with an Emerging Artist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts early in his career. His solo exhibitions have graced prestigious venues like the Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University, the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, the Grace Museum in Abilene, the Ellen Noel Art Museum in Odessa, Erin Cluley Gallery in Dallas, and Kouri + Corrao in Santa Fe.
Tangible, Organic Art
His innovative textile work represents a captivating extension of his photographic practice, transforming fleeting captures of texture, decay, and subtle beauty into immersive, tactile tapestries. He collaborates with the skilled artisans at Taller de Afelpado in the Centro de las Artes de San Agustín (CASA) in Oaxaca, Mexico. Goldberg enlarges his photographs—often of weathered walls that reveal organic patterns, mythological forms, or hidden landscapes—and translates them through a meticulous dry needle felting process. He uses industrial felt to serve as the base, onto which layers of raw wool roving, dyed with natural pigments like cochineal and indigo, are punched and blended using barbed needles to build depth. Think vibrant color gradients, interesting edges, and brush-like strokes to echo the nuances of erosion and light in his original images.
This labor-intensive, collaborative effort—spanning weeks and involving up to five artisans per piece—honors Oaxaca’s rich textile heritage while creating large-scale felted works that invite viewers into an expanded, three-dimensional experience of his vision.
The result is not mere reproduction but a reimagined celebration of the ordinary made extraordinary, where the softness and texture of wool amplify the photographer’s eye for pareidolia and the magic in everyday surfaces. These textiles add a luxurious, handcrafted dimension to interiors, blending seamlessly with natural stone, wood, and Southwestern elegance to bring warmth, storytelling, and a sense of timeless artistry to any space.
Art That Fits Santa Fe Style
What resonates most with us at J Douglas Design is how Gary’s work seamlessly aligns with our philosophy of crafting personalized, sophisticated environments. So, his masterful compositions add emotional depth and visual intrigue, making them ideal as focal points on statement walls, accents in gathering spaces, or integrated elements in luxury residences. His use of mixed-media and tangible texture is unique, and will add dimension to any interior design. Whether through bold color studies or subtle explorations of light and form, his pieces complement our Southwestern elegance while bringing a contemporary, museum-quality edge.
Here are just a few of his works, featuring dry wool and needle felting:
Our design team is eager to discuss how his art can be thoughtfully incorporated into your project—whether refreshing an existing space, designing a new build, or adding that perfect, meaningful accent.
Stay tuned for more on this exciting collaboration, including featured installations, artist insights, and design inspiration drawn from Gary’s work.
Welcome, Gary—we’re honored to showcase your talent and look forward to the stunning interiors we’ll create together.