Richard Aybar expertly navigates the delicate balance between natural and synthetic elements. Profound understanding of the tactile qualities and historical context of his chosen materials lends a unique depth to his creations.

Sculptor and furniture designer Richard Aybar, the creative force behind RA Workshop, masterfully engages with materiality in his evocative creations. Born in New York City in 1983, Aybar explored his passion for romance literature at Wesleyan University before founding his studio in 2019 in Orlando, Florida.

Aybar's current CDL Series, inspired by construction, demolition, and land debris, highlights his commitment to sustainable design and resourcefulness. The genesis of the series came from renovating a house along the Delaware River, where the artist meticulously repurposed the debris to create his signature sculptures. Integrating materials such as endangered American Chestnut, White Oak, Pine, and water-jet cut scrap metal, Aybar constructs his "Totems to Trash" to reflect the rural building practices of the northeastern United States the potential of these materials, while inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with the environment and the impermanence of the built world. 

The series showcases Aybar's ability to transform what others might discard into striking works of art. He caps each totem with mycelial-inspired urethane rubber castoffs, adding a touch of organic elegance to his one-of-a-kind creations. In both form and substance, Richard Aybar's work pays homage to the beauty of reuse and the endless possibilities of sustainable artistic expression.

Aybar's engagement with materiality is a cornerstone of his work, as he expertly navigates the delicate balance between natural and synthetic elements. His profound understanding of the tactile qualities and historical context of his chosen materials lends a unique depth to his creations.