Artist's Statement

My work is an attempt to acknowledge and explore the puzzling mysteries of the human experience. I seek to create images that resonate within the viewer, evoking universal truths that are at the core of our lives. My impressionistic figurative sculpture intends to represent the subjective nature of life's most dramatic turning points. The use of durable bronze and stone implies, for me, lasting universality of these experiences, which transcend any one lifetime or even any particular generation.

I also strive to create art that is functional. Making art a pragmatic part of one's daily life elevates the art by involving the viewer in a more vital way. The "viewer" becomes more than a viewer, and the art becomes more than decoration.

Artist's Bio

I was born on the West coast and lived in various places in California and Nevada before moving to Texas in 1969. After graduating from high school, I spent several years working in oil refineries. I then took a two-year sabbatical traveling in Mexico to determine my future. I kept a sketch diary during my travels and it became obvious to me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life creating art. Thirty years later, I have a large body of work, a beautiful sculpture garden, and no regrets.

Artist's Resume

EDUCATION:
Southwest Texas State University; San Marcos, Texas; B.F.A. 1984
Austin Community College; Austin, Texas; 1995-96
University of Texas at Austin; Austin, Texas; 1985-86
Independent Studies: Bronze Casting; Slippery Rock University; Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania; 1981
Work Study: Aluminum Casting, University of Houston; Houston, Texas; 1980-82
Stephen F. Austin State University; Nacogdoches, Texas; 1978-80
Institute Allende Universidad; San Miguel de Allende; 1977-78
GTO, Mexico; Printmaking; Silver Jewelry

ART RELATED EXPERIENCE:

• Constructed, established, and operate bronze and ceramic studio, 1994 to present.
• Created and maintain private sculpture xerascape garden with over 85 works by Texas artists.
• Dancer with Pina Bausch, “Nur Du (Only You),” Bass Concert Hall, 1996
• Assistant Animator for music video: Brave Combo “Hokey Pokey,” 1994.
• Assistant Animator for Austin Music TV Channel station introduction, 1994.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

• Austin Sculpture Conservatory; Austin, Texas; 1992 to present (Bronze Casting; Life Drawing)
• Southwest Texas State University; San Marcos, Texas; 1982-84 (Teaching Assistant: Sculpture)
  

Contact Artist

WC Barnett
Austin, Texas
E-mail: bill.barnett at tsos.org
(USA)

Also, please visit Bill's Web site: http://wcbarnett.com