06.29.2007
Q&A with Brent Williams
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Brent Williams seems like a quiet guy but one thing he doesn’t mind talking about is his art.
Williams, a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, is back in his hometown of Mooresville for the summer.
Here are some excerpts from our conversation last week at a Mooresville coffee shop:
Can you describe your work for me?
I’m influenced a lot by impressionism and expressionism. When I was younger, I’d try to copy a photograph and I got to a point where I realized that there’s always going to be a photograph that looks more realistic, so I figured there has to be something that the artist has to add. So I figured why get bogged down with images that already exist. So I throw paint.
Really, you throw the paint?
No. (laughs) I’ve never actually thrown it, but I’ve done a lot of pouring of the paint, a lot of experimentation. It’s constantly evolving. ... Like a year ago I went through more abstract, more expressionism, more paint, pouring it and a lot more experimentation. Now I’m getting to a point where I’m refining it a little more.
How is that changing your art?
It’s constantly changing. I’m doing more portraits. I never really go for reality because reality is already there. You’ve got to create something new or it’s not really worth my time.
So when did you actually start painting?
I can’t give you an answer to that — as long as I can remember. I think there’s actually a baby picture of me passed out with a smock on at a little table painting.
So what’s your major? Is it within the arts?
No, I was thinking journalism. I was thinking about majoring in art but I figured I don’t really need a degree to practice art. So I have a back-up plan.
If you’re not majoring in art how do you see it still playing a role in your life?
I’ll always paint. I’ll always do something creative. Right now, I’m playing a lot of guitar, playing a lot of music. I can’t get away from art. It’s inescapable; it’s a part of me. It’s not about it’s a career choice or anything, it’s just what I do. It’ll always be there no matter what I’m doing.
So how is your art available?
I have some pieces in Four Corners (Gallery) and I have some pieces in Soiree.
I think it’s around nine total pieces.