The work of Chad Williams is just “a little different from other people’s stuff.”
It is, Williams admitted, “not really something you can hang in the living room.” Although he added: “Little kids love it – love it a lot, and are drawn to it.”
Williams’ work is all about imaginary worlds in which monsters, octopus tentacles, cacti and punning references - like “Eye Candy,” a gumball machine filled with candy and eyeballs - abound.
Not to everyone’s taste, he agreed.
“I’ve always enjoyed fantasy and science fiction," said Williams "When I create, I’d rather create something out of my imagination, rather than from a photo or real life.”
It’s what he has been doing all his life.
Williams has been painting in acrylics for at least eight years. “I’ve been drawing much longer. Art is something I’ve always done,” he said.
It was only three years ago, though, that he began showing his work in the BWG Studio Art Tour and selling his paintings and prints.
Williams is largely self-taught. In fact, he said, “I think I failed Art (in high school). I was always more interested in what I wanted to do” than in the suggestions of his teachers.
And while he thought about going to OCAD University or Sheridan College, he never applied. Williams, now 32, works for the York Region Catholic District School Board and his painting is largely a part-time passion.
Not only did Williams think about attending art school, when he was young he was fascinated by animation.
“When I was younger, I really wanted to work for Disney,” he said.
And there are painters he admires, including American super-realist and fantasy artist Julie Bell – “Bell is amazing!” he said – comic book artist Jake Parker, and French expressionist Vincent Van Gogh.
But his work is uniquely his own, drawing on his imagination.
Williams has illustrated a number of self-published children’s books, written by others. One of his ambitions is to illustrate a comic book or graphic novel.
It’s the freedom and the imagination that attract him to comics. “It’s not quite as censored,” he said. “You can do what you want… The thing is to find a story arc.”
Williams has been a resident of Bradford West Gwillimbury all his life and appreciates the history and heritage of the community. He grew up on a farm on Line 5, before his family moved to County Rd. 88, and he has seen Bradford West Gwillimbury grow and become more receptive to the arts.
There’s still a long way to go; Williams would like to see art cafés and an arts and culture centre.
“We need to make people more aware that we have local artists – that there’s a lot of talent in this town,” he said.
As for his own future, Williams said, “I think I’ll probably always paint and draw. It’s an outlet, and I just love it. I get a lot of enjoyment out of just creating.”
He added, “It’s the creative process. It’s very satisfying when you can actually make something – when it looks like what you want!”
Williams’ work can be seen on his website, www.chadwilliamsart.com. He will also be participating in this year’s BWG PASSION MADE artisans tour, Sept. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. His work will be on display in the BWG Public Library.
