William Tate

William Tate
Maryville, Tennessee, USA

STATEMENT

Although all forms of art have the ability to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds, for me personally as an artist, my own creative works allow me to reflect on my own ideas and feelings. I see art as a way to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences that are often difficult to communicate with words alone. Also, for me, art inspires creativity and curiosity in my everyday life. I enjoy using my talents to communicate powerful messages. At this time, I am heavily involved in the paper arts, and through it, I tell stories, where even simple works of art can evoke strong emotions in the viewing audience. This reminds me that creativity is not limited to professional artists but can be part of everyone’s life.

Another important aspect of my relationship with art is its ability to provide comfort and relaxation. During stressful times, involving myself in producing a piece of art helps me slow down and focus on the present moment. Art creates a space where I can reflect, recharge, and gain a deeper appreciation for beauty and human expression.

Overall, I view art as more than just entertainment or decoration. It is a universal language that encourages communication. My relationship with art continues to evolve as I discover new forms of creative expression and learn from the experiences shared by other artists. Through art, I find inspiration, understanding, and a greater connection to both myself and others.

BIO

William Tate is an up-and-coming artist born in 1964’s rural Alabama. Upon finishing high school, they went on to the local university originally to get a degree to teach art. However, their wanderlust arose. Dropping out, Tate joined the Air Force, spending 23 years travelling mainly Europe, where they were exposed to some of the world’s great works of art. Retiring from military service, Tate returned to school, attending Maryville College, where they completed a Studio Arts degree and graduated with several honors—magna cum laude, an Exemplary grade for their senior thesis, and the Sarah Hardrath Art History Award.

While completing their degree, Tate discovered collage. Recognizing repurposing of imagery could create a new work—that using magazine images and colored paper a story could be told—a piece that would invite viewers to engage with the visual narrative. Influenced by such collagists as Bearden and Heartfield, Tate also finds inspiration through contemporaries like Lloyd and Roberts. Tate prefers analog collaging, experiencing catharsis, finding that perfect image.

Now living in Maryville, Tennessee, Tate became a freelance artist, selling several commission pieces. They also participated in Knoxville’s “25th Arts in the Airport” and the “20th Annual Charles George VAMC Veterans Art Festival and Show,” winning First Place in Collage. Currently, Tate is branching into other paper arts, studying Henri Matisse’s paper cut-outs, attempting to imitate, experiment, and further evolve the master artist’s technique. Their latest works can be seen on their website, artbybilll.net.

ARTIST CONTACT

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IMAGES