Today we’d like to introduce you to William Downs
Hi William, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey as an artist by attending a specialized art high school, The Greenville County Fine Arts Center, before pursuing further education at an art college in Atlanta The Atlanta College of Art. After that, graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) for my graduate studies. During my time at MICA, I moved to New York but continued to commute back to Baltimore to teach at MICA for several years. Following that, l also spent a few years teaching at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York. My focus as an instructor was on foundation and life drawing. I spent a brief moment in a few other cities before moving back to Atlanta. My goal in life is to carve out a small slice of the Art history pie as a Black American Artist. After teaching drawing in the institutions I was invited to teach drawing at some amazing workshops across the country…I am currently teaching experimental drawing workshops at various esteemed arts and crafts centers across the country, including Arrowmont, Anderson Ranch, Shankrage, and the Hambidge Arts Center-Creative Arts. It is a privilege to share my knowledge and passion for drawing with eager participants and help foster creativity through these workshops.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has been steady with a few bumps in the road but those were not struggles just pivots and losing people in my life. That’s hard but that happens to everyone. I think that since I am not in a rush. But if I had to come up with a challenge it would be trying to figure out or new administration .
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my drawing practice, I am deeply intrigued by the delicate balance between nature and human intervention in the landscape. This exploration serves as the focal point of my upcoming solo exhibition titled “Truth in Body” at The Martin Museum of Art. Through this exhibition, I seek to showcase the coexistence of two seemingly disparate events within a single landscape, urging viewers to contemplate the intricate relationship between the natural world and human presence.
The title of the exhibition, “Truth in Body,” alludes to the duality of existence within the landscape – the natural processes of life unfolding alongside the human activities that shape and define the surreal environment. Through my drawings, I aim to capture the essence of this intersection, highlighting the moments where nature and human intervention converge in a harmonious or discordant manner.
Each drawing in the exhibition serves as a visual narrative, like a song, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate details of the landscape and contemplate the complex interactions taking place within it. By presenting these two events occurring simultaneously, I hope to convey the transient and ever-evolving nature of the world around us, emphasizing the importance of being present and engaged in the moment.
Through “Truth in Body,” I aim to provoke contemplation and reflection on the ways in which we interact with our surroundings and the impact of our actions on the natural world. By inviting viewers to witness these unique moments captured in my drawings, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the landscape we inhabit.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Jack Whitten:”Notes from the Woodshed”
Marcia Tucker : “a short life of trouble.”
Louise Bourgeois ; “Drawings and Observations”
John Yau; “Hawaiin Cowboys”
James Baldwin; “Going to meet the man” The ‘Fire Next Time” “No Name in the Street”
“Notes of a Native Son” “Go Tell on the Mountain”
Favorit Record Labels ; Dragcity and Touch and Go Records
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.williamedowns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdowns.studio/
Image Credits
Photo of William Downs is by: Jill Frank (photo professor at GSU)
Photo of the Artby: Fredrik Brauer
