October 26, 2009 – December 1, 2009
Reception November 28th - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Billie Jean paints to bring to life memories of forgotten times. “The Grist Mill stirs a curiosity that makes me want to know how it worked, and where the water was that made it work. The lighthouse by the seashore no longer shines a light to signal ships; you wonder about the person who lived the solitary life there. I want to remember the moon shining on the snow creating shadows with the light. For a number of years, I have been intrigued by old structures, even the ones no longer in existence. And, I want to paint them to bring them to life.
The Haystack Mountain workshops were originated in Cumberland by Alexis Levine. I took them all and learned how to do watercolors. There have been many more workshops made available since that time. I majored in Art at Frostburg State University. Before that I took a painting class at Allegany College, which started it all as I hadn’t experimented in art since the fourth grade at Flintstone School. Participation in the Watercolor Society, AAAA, and Arts at Canal Place has provided numerous artistic opportunities.”
All the materials used in Mike Williams' weathered wood accents have been collected from the forests and riverbeds of West Virginia. Some of the bases used are dead coral from the U.S Virgin Islands. Wood and stone alike have been sculpted by timeless exposure to the elements, preserved and enhanced by the joining together of different configurations, revealing the artist's concept of the ultimate in aesthetic design.
The wood is thoroughly cleaned, a preservation is applied, and then a final finish to bring out the color and grain. It is then fastened to the base with a steel pin to ensure everlasting durability. Williams resides in Keyser, WV and has a studio in Great Cacapon, WV.
