Afternoon of a Georgia Faun

Featured Artist: Michael Kelly Williams

We've known artist Michael Kelly Williams for many years and are pleased to host his works on paper in "A Look Back." Enjoy this short profile of Kelly Williams and stop by Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery on Saturday, June 4 between 3 and 5PM for a conversation with the artist.

How did you get your start as an artist?
My father Kelly Williams was an artist. I grew up in a creative environment. I took it for granted until my last year in high school. It was at this time I began making prints. I got in a show at The Detroit Institute of arts at age 18.

Who are some of your past and present artistic influences?
Ancient Egyptian art, Africa art, Ukiyo-e, Munakata, Wifredo Lam, Klee, Ahmed Cherkaoui, Bob Blackburn, Krishna Reddy, Twins Seven Seven and the Oshogbo School...

What are some of your past and present artistic influences?
Organic elements from everyday life are my influences.

Dance

How would you describe your work? What message if any are you sharing with viewers of your work?
Life, Love, Spirituality and Music.

You are a talented printmaker... what about this process energizes your creativity?
My approach to printmaking is that of a sculptor. I enjoy carving my woodblocks and making relief plates. The viscosity mono print technique I came up with in 1984 combines my interest in collage, my work with fractals and my love for relief printing. At the studio talk I will show examples of my plates, tools and blocks and discuss the different print methods.

You have traveled extensively... Africa, Europe, The Caribbean. What impact has this had on your art?
The palette of the Etruscans, Minoan and Ancient Egyptians, The music of the Ghinawa and Bob Marley.

Improvisional Jam

What kind of music do you listen to music when creating your art? How does it impact your creativity.
Progressive Jazz - Dolphy, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Andrew Hill, Joe Henderson, Marion Brown, Betty Carter, Amina Claudine Myers, Sonny Sharrock, Billy Bang, Geri Allen, and many more. African music - Fela, Gigi, Ali Farka Toure’, King Sunny Ade, Rokia Traore’, Salif Keita, Thomas Mapfumo and many more.

I always listen to music when I create.

What gadget could you not live without?
My ipod.

What would you like to share about work that you are presently creating? What is inspiring it or what inspires you generally?
Right this minute I am working on large scale works on paper with acrylic paints.

Music is my inspiration.

What projects will you be working on and/or where will you exhibiting in the next few months?
Paintings and prints for a show in Sept 2011 at Synchronicity Fine Arts in New York.

Nature Boy

Any final words for our readers?
Peace, Love and Music.

Check out previous articles and Spotlights >> here <<

Best Sellers ///

Art by Culture ///

Quick Ship ///

Featured Artist: Michael Kelly Williams

Check out previous articles and Spotlights >> here <<