|
Q. What artists
have influenced you?
A. I studied art from an early age
and have been inspired by many people. My main influences have been the
Symbolists, the pre-Raphaelites, and the American Luminist School.
Q. Where do you get the subjects for your work?
A. I usually do not know when I
start a painting what it will be. I will start off with a very general, almost
abstract, composition. From this I build up thin layers of paint and the image
arises from my imagination. It's almost like automatic writing. It feels as if
the painting creates itself.
Q. What kind of paints do you use?
A. I mostly use acrylics. They allow
for rapid layering and changes. I sometimes use oils for finishing effects as
they are more controllable.
Q. Where did you study?
A. See Gilbert Williams Bio.
Link to Gilbert Williams Bio.
Q. What is Visionary Art?
A.
Visionary Art is a form of Surrealism which contains two
unique paradigms of reality represented naturalistically, and it contains an
uplifting message or spiritual content. The way in which Visionary Art differs
from classical Surrealism is that classical Surrealism or social
surrealism often contains negative imagery. Visionary Art is unique in that
often it brings light into a dark perspective, speaking to people of hope, peace,
greater possibilities, and grander futures.
Q. What are the earliest origins of Visionary Art?
A. Though the genre of contemporary
Visionary Art comes out of surrealism, Visionary Art itself encompasses any
imagery that combines two or more paradigms simultaneously -- and brings a
positive message. The earliest form may be the Thangka paintings of the Far
East. Also, many of the works of the European Masters -- though they also fall
into other art categories of their own time periods -- are Visionary paintings
if they have converging paradigms and messages of transcendence or of the
highest ideals of humankind.
Q. What are examples of Visionary Art in more recent
times?
A. Bosch and Blake can be
given much of the credit for initiating a new wave of Visionary painting. However, the American
Luminists (or Hudson River School of artists), really brought new life to the
art form. Sargent, Cole, Beirstadt, and perhaps most notably Fredric Church
combined the "real world of Earth and Nature" with the more "surreal world" of
Light in attempts to inspire a grander appreciation of each and both. Most current
Visionary painters credit the Luminists with incredible advances both in
technique and in imagination.
Q. What
Symbolist and Luminist painters do you like?
A. Of
the Symbolists George Fredric Watts is my favorite. I also like many of
the French Symbolists such as Gustav Moreau and Odilon Redon. They all
create a mystical internal world that resonates with me. The two Luminists
that I find the most interesting are Thomas Cole and Fredric Church. Cole
was more allegorical in his work. Church surpassed him in the pure
spiritual power of landscape.
Q. What about the Hudson River school was so inspiring?
A.
Their work looked to the new American wilderness that was unspoiled and full of
hope. The landscapes are vast and romantic.
Q. Is
it a conscious decision to include archetypal images in your work?
A.
The process I use to develop a painting brings forth
images that arise from my unconscious mind. Even when I try to plan a painting
it will invariably change and want to be its own being. I usually find the
meaning after the painting is complete. It's almost like casting the tarot for
me.
Q. Why do you paint a lot of wise women?
A.
The feminine divine is a powerful force that
has begun to re-emerge in our age. It was largely ignored in our culture. As we
all evolve spiritually it is important to recognize that part of our selves and
the universe that is intuitive and nurturing.
Q. Why
do you paint color at night?
A.
My paintings are dream worlds and visions. It is more important to represent the
emotional/spiritual quality of that than normal reality.
Q. Do
you
have any favorite painters from these eras?
Renaissance: Leonardo da Vinci
was the towering mind of this era. I also love Bottecelli and Titian.
Expressionism: Edvard Munch used
a visionary style that vividly expressed the dark side of the soul. He was very
compelling.
Impressionism:
Monet is my favorite impressionist. His ethereal landscapes are filled with a
deep love of nature.
Pre-Raphaelite:
Edward Burne Jones is my favorite in this genre. His stylized medieval figures
and compositions are very beautiful.
Q. What is the purpose of this
kind of art in our time?
A.
Metaphysical/visionary art strives to contact the hidden dream worlds that
contain our true natures as spiritual beings. Images arise that resonate with
our ancient source, and our luminous future selves. We are on the brink of an
evolutionary jump that is unprecedented in human history. Art can put us in
touch with that deep divine part of our selves that is positive and loving. I
hope that is what we create for our future.
Q. Can I
contact Gilbert Williams via email?
A.
All commercial inquiries and request for use of images
should be made to Gilbert Williams at
gilwilart@sbcglobal.net
For personal messages as well, please email Gilbert
Williams at gilwilart@sbcglobal.net
|
