ARTIST INTERVIEW: William Butcher
William Butcher
Tell me about yourself, how did you get into art?
My name is William Butcher, I was born in Hertford, England in 1998. Since I can remember I have always used drawing as a meditation and an escape into other worlds. The idea of endless possibilities solely created through the unforgivable black pen has always excited and fascinated me.
Your work focuses on nature, what is it about nature that fascinates you? What feelings would you like to evoke in your work?
I find if you open up to nature, it gives you infinite and constant new inspiration, which is why I tend to focus around this subject the most. I would like to evoke feelings of freedom, gentleness and wonder in my work, similar to my experiences in nature and how they continue to surprise me.
How has the Victorian era influenced your style of work?
The Victorian era has massively influenced my work. Firstly, in my composition; in which I imitate a traditional etching style, using only pen techniques in line work. Aswell, the subject matter focuses on exploration and discovery, similar to much art of that era. Focusing on detailed accounts and biological studies of plants, animals and landscapes.
Your abstract, colourful paintings are a contrast to your black and white drawings. Do you feel more freedom with your paintings?
With my abstract painting works, I feel it is a decompression from my pen drawings. I can loosen my hand muscles and completely let go of any focus on fine detail and instead focus on shape and colour. I don't necessarily feel more freedom with the paintings than drawing, just a different way of expressing. This is something I look forward to exploring more.
Tell me about your drawing process from start to finish of one of your works.
So, for my recent diptych piece; 'Harmonious', I had a vision of a dense black and white forest. I start by roughly mapping out the big elements I want in pencil, sometimes writing the subject words in the area. I then start at the bottom straight in with ink and gradually work up covering all the area in. Black spaces will be filled black or crosshatched, tailored to contrast with the pattern of the bigger elements.
What inspires you to create art? How has art helped you?
The idea of leaving something behind is one reason that inspires me to create my work. I also feel it is important to capture passionate feelings in life for others to find contentment in, or resonate with. As I feel it is of great importance to me to share the joy of art with everyone. Art has helped me find peace within, it helps me everyday to understand my own thoughts and chaos into a physical form. It is something that gives me great release and satisfaction.
Out of all your work, which piece are you most proud of?
Out of all my work, I am most proud of my recent drawings. Most likely my diptych piece 'Singularity'.
Who is your favourite artist? If they were sat next to you right now, what would you ask them?
One of my favourite artists would be Bruegel. I would say to him; thank you for capturing the time you lived, so people of now can be reminded of beauty and honesty in such simple forms. I would ask him; why do you feel the need to capture life?
Why do you think art is important in society?
I feel it is important that humans remain true to love and passion, and don't put too much attention to trivial pursuits and worries. With art helping people look at the bigger picture and express themselves mentally and emotionally. This is why I think art is important in society.
