William Birdwell gives us a deeper look into his creative mind and what motivates him artistically.
So, Bill can you fill the reads in on a bit of your background?
I was Orphaned at the age of 10. Raised poor in one of the poorest states in the country West Virginia., by my maternal grandparents. Didn't do much as far as art was concerned in my youth, doodles, and sketches, but ALWAYS wanted to be an artist.
Was your first job in the field of art?
No not at all my first real job was in the coal mines in West Virginia. I went to school for 6 weeks to get that job. I worked 6 days, quit, drew my pay and headed south. The old saying about "Hell on Earth" applied to that job more than any job I have ever had, before or since.
You said you moved south?
Yes, I landed in Texas where jobs were plentiful. Started painting whenever I could afford the paint and canvas, and sometimes when I couldn't.
Did you study art at a university?
No, I am Self-taught with no formal training.
FULL MOON
BY: WILLIAM BIRDWELL
COPPER POND
BY: WILLIAM BIRDWELL
If you could say there was something about your art that you disliked what would it be?
I HATE throwing my paintings away because I took it one step too far. I hate it, even more, when the painting looks good before I go that extra step that ruins it. It bums me out for weeks.
From my conversations with other artists, I have learned that this is not uncommon.
What’s your scariest experience working with your art?
Blowing up. Exploding. Literally. The type of artwork I do requires the use of liquid oil paint, paint thinners and a metal building that I have converted into an oven to dry the paintings.
Do you feel like your art has an impact on society?
don't think my work has a great impact on society. I don't try to address nuclear war, terrorism, famine or death. I try to provide beauty, serenity, and happiness.
Who is your favorite artist?
Jonas Gerard
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Don't die until your dead"
What is the best advice that’s been given to you?
Don't give up!
What theme or themes do you choose to work with?
Most of my work in the early days was based on space, water, and clouds. Things that are created by gravity, since that is how many of my paintings are formed. My biggest inspiration comes from the Hubble photo's. I realize they were created as a scientific endeavor, but I consider them to be the most beautiful art I have ever seen.
Do you feel like life as an artist is lonely?
It can be lonely .......and disheartening when there is a dry spell in my art sells. It gives credence to the naysayers.
On the other side of the coin, it is the most beautiful feeling in the world when the paintings are selling, and the customer tells you how beautiful your work is and pays you for your artistic visions.
What would you say you like the most about your artwork?
What I like about my artwork is that they are original. What I mean by that is that what I show on my canvas has never been seen before. It never existed before. It never "happened" before. Most early painters were historians. Painting things or people because photography had not been invented yet.
RAINBOW TORNADO
BY: WILLIAM BIRDWELL
What’s your favorite painting?
"Jump In" by Pollock.
What is the most important thing you could share with another artist about selling their work?
You need to get your work in front of as many eyes as possible. People you don't know “strangers” judge, their reactions and comments while they are judging your work. If they are genuine it’s easy to see. Friends and family won't do. They love you. They don't want to hurt your feelings. Having said that, I have seen a lot of paintings that I personally did not like sell for a lot of money.