Finding the Shadows in Paper
I've always been intrigued by classic geometric shapes, and I'm fascinated with turning positive shapes into negatives, loops into angles, designing stark contrasts and balanced curves that create movement in otherwise static paper.
My multi-layer works in metal are deeply dimensional, so they forge a dramatic exchange of lights and darks. Like my works in paper, they often infuse architectural styles, or the symmetry of Art Deco and the curvilinear structures of Art Nouveau. Subjects are diverse ~ from abstractions of American farmland in aerial view to Gothic rose windows. And the study of semiotics is especially alluring, so I explore signs & symbols.
And in Steel or Bronze
My signature style is shared by both framed paper and free-standing metal sculptures, but the creation techniques couldn't be further apart. I hand-carve designs through layers of archival art papers, or turn to CNC plasma, laser or waterjet machines that tell the sparks where to fly.
Education:
Miami University
The Cooper School of Art
The Chicago Art Institute (Oxbow Artist's Residency Program)
Santa Fe Community College
Numerous independent bronze, steel & fabrication studies
Representation:
~ Water Street Gallery, Douglas, Michigan
Collections:
William Freer’s paper, steel and bronze sculptures appear in public, private and corporate collections nationwide.
ARTIST STATEMENT
