 | William Park | ||
Artist's Statement | |||
I love to paint. I don't mean the puppy licking your face kind of love. I'm talking about the screaming downhill thrill, on the fulcrum between fear and ecstasy, of the roller-coaster...like jumping naked with your lover into a vat of semi-liquid dark chocolate covered ginger, to hell with the consequences kind of love. I was aware of my visceral connection with paint almost from the beginning. I remember "helping" my grandfather paint and varnish various pieces of furniture as a young child and watching, hearing, smelling and occasionally feeling the brush dipping into the can, into this magic liquid. Then withdrawing the brush, bristles covered with glistening richness and sliding it across the freshly prepared surface, transforming an ordinary piece of wood or furniture. I was mesmerized by the whole experience. My grandfather knew. He got this special look when he asked "Hey Bill, ya wanna help me paint a table?" I could not and did not try to control my enthusiasm. This passion drives my work. People are the central expression of this passion. I work with other subjects but sooner or later human characteristics emerge. | About 10 years ago I began a series of self portraits which evolved into the very simple egg shape of my clean, shaved head. This led to a long series of abstract paintings with more or less realistic images. I am amazed at the range of possibilities with just these basic, simple shapes. The egg shape of my head led to eggs which led to birds. The birds entered my work about the time my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I am fortunate to have been present much of the time during that extraordinary four years while she battled for her life. I am still moved by her spirit for life. The birds symbolize that spirit for me. The birds have become my companions and my guides. In the past year or so light bulbs and fixtures entered the scene. They bring more awareness and something quite special is happening: the birds, the lights, the people and the paint feel intimately connected. My connection to myself and the unity of life is deepening. As I write this statement I am aware of feeling profound gratitude. I love to paint. | ||
Solo & Featured Exhibitions | |||
2011 Family, Monotype Collaboration with Stephen Hayes, Clatsop Communtiy College, Astoria, Or | 2004 Augen Gallery, Portland, Or | ||
Group Exhibitions & Awards |
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2011 Residency, Sitka Center for Art and Ecology | Northwest Poets and Artists Calendar | ||
Public Art Commissions & Collections | |||
Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, Ca, Permanent Collection | Ater Wynne LLP, Portland, Or | ||
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