Meet The Maker: Doug Rhodehamel

In any given community there is always that one person that everyone seems to know and love. If you were to ask me who that someone is in the Orlando area, I would tell you that his name is Doug Rhodehamel, and that he loves a vodka martini, gives THE BEST hugs and is one of the most creative and beloved humans alive. He is funny and warm and endlessly weird in the best way possible, with a brain that never lacks an idea. Originally from Centerville, Ohio, Doug has deeply woven himself into the fabric of the Orlando art scene and is known for working with recycled and found materials, turning discarded objects into whimsical creatures. Whether you know Doug or not, I am delighted to share this interview with you.  xoxo, Jenna

Doug, you're one of those artists that does a little bit of a lot of things. Tell us about your work and what you make.

I am a sculptor primarily, although I do work in many other art forms, painting, illustration, installations, conceptual design, miniatures, mobiles and more. I enjoy making odd, organic looking pieces, mostly from cardboard, as it is free, everywhere, can be shaped into anything and easily painted. I'm not sure how I started all of this. I know it was at a very young age, making little things from bits of paper, cardboard, wood, toothpicks, or whatever I could find, then gluing everything together and painting it. I spent a lot of time finding tiny pieces of things on the sidewalks or things washed up in the gutters to use in future projects. My work comes in all sizes, but I really like creating small little fantastical things... things I can sell, trade or give away, things that create smiles!

I'm probably best know for my paper bag mushrooms installations which, thanks to thousands of volunteers around the globe, have been planted on every continent... including Antarctica! (You can learn more about The Spore Project and how to make paper bag mushrooms HERE!)

What inspires you in your day to day?

I have a very active imagination that won't leave me alone. So there is that. There are also so many things in the World of Nature that can trigger my imagination... a weird twig, a cool looking cloud, a dead leaf, a piece of an odd seed pod, shadows in a puddle. But also man-made objects, bits of broken plastic that might resemble something, a wet crumpled wad of paper in a parking lot that might look like an underwater creature. A piece of wire looking like the silhouette of an animal or part of one. I go for walks around my neighborhood to think and clear my mind. I find little parts and pieces of stuff on the sidewalk or in the road. I take them home, clean them up and they eventually become something. I've been doing this since I was very, very little.

What other hobbies or interests or day jobs keep you busy?

I do a bit of unique gardening, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, carnivorous plants, wildflowers, succulents and other cool plants. I used to have a one man specialty garden company called Dig Dug! Besides my creative commissions, I pick up odd jobs here and there washing dishes, taking out trash and whatnot. Mostly my creations keep me busy. When I not busy making things, i'm busy making things. I also like vodka. Is that hobby? It's definitely an interest.

Are there any artistic mediums that you have not worked with but would like to try? 

None that I can think of. Oh.. well yes actually. Casting in metal. I've always wanted to try that. Maybe later on when I grow up.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to realize someday?

Yes I do! I have two and I'm working on both now. The first is converting an old abandoned dollhouse into a miniature haunted house...it's going to be so spooky and cool and crammed full of detail! The second is a homemade sci-fi film short. I've never made a movie before, huge learning curve, but it's a super fun learning curve and a great challenge! You're all going to love this!

Oh, I'd also really like to install my paper bag mushrooms on the lawn of the White House and put one in Space!

What have you learned about yourself from creating art?

Growing up was very confusing for me. I never felt like I fit in. (I know, cliché for a creative to say) Some places yes, but most adult things never made much sense. I've learned that I see the world a lot differently than most. My goals are and always have been very different compared to the general population. I enjoy very simple things. My art has taught me to be very adaptive, patient, understanding, observant and how to budget time. I avoid procrastination and I really enjoy dumb, fun little silly things! And as an extra bonus, it's given me enough confidence to do the things I want to do! Most of all art has taught me how to enjoy life and have fun! Life is not always fun, but there are always some secret fun things to make difficult times better!

How has your community in Orlando supported you or given you inspiration?

Orlando has been great to me! The people of Orlando have been extremely supportive, generous and have given me many, many opportunities to showcase what it is I do. They've been very receptive to my work and I have received so much help throughout the years! So many people to thank! I love you guys!!

{lightning round…don’t think too hard} Dogs or cats? Random fact about yourself? GO!

I WILL think too hard!! I am a dog person for sure. I grew up with a dog and I understand their behavior much better than cats. However, I also love cats, although they are completely different than dogs. Liz Langley (my Roommate/Best Friend) and I got stuck rescuing a colony of 12 abandon cats. All but one live outside on our porch and we care for them. They take up a lot of our time and most or our money, but they are all great cats. We love them. If there are any crazy cat people out there who would like to contribute to our cat food fund you can Venmo whatever you want to me @doug-rhodehamel (code if asked...6177). But yeah. I'm a Dog Doug for sure.

I also love baby turtles, but you didn't ask.

Fact? I'll give you a few!

1. I love Robots, Rockets and Rayguns!
2. I am completely deaf in my right ear. This happened around 5 years ago. Nobody knows why. What?
3. I rarely exercise, I'm this good looking naturally.

What does the word “veer” mean to you?

Veer? To turn sharply. To avoid something stupid in your way! Sometimes on my walks I'll veer, just because I can. AND WHY SHOULDN'T I?!!

If for some reason you're still reading this I'll mention that I have a youtube channel. You should look at it. It's where I'm putting all of my Doug Stuff! You will like it!!