Who are you and what do you do?
My name is William Barnhart and I am an artist. The Human figure is the thread of continuity that weaves its way through my paintings, hand pulled prints, and sculptures that have been flowing from my studio for over 30 years here in Arizona.
How did you get your start?
After a dismal start to grad school at ASU, I blew out the program, and moved into a warehouse, where I traded art for rent for years. Starting an art career is not the hard part, sticking to it is. I often tell people that the first 20 years are going to be the hardest.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by beauty,
the drama, and the emotional complexity of this ride we are on called the human experience. It is the basis for my artist explorations and its relevance as a subject matter is universal and timeless.
What do you like about AZ?
Arizona has been good to me. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family, and I have found there to be a constant supply of affluent clients with large homes that need artwork to help sustain my art career. Mesa has been an idyllic place to build my world-class studio, complete with painting, printmaking, and sculpture studio, as well as a sculpture garden, gallery, and residency.
Where can we see you(r) work?
My work can be seen by visiting the gallery, or at the upcoming solo exhibition for two weeks in early October at {9} The Gallery located in the Grand Avenue Arts District in Downtown Phoenix. Also you can visit my website.
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
I have found great pleasures in this life by setting goals for myself, and working to achieve those goals. I have many goals yet to achieve, and many more which have yet to even come to the forefront of my imagination. As an avid sailor, one of the big goals I have yet to achieve is sail across an ocean single-handed.
What is your mantra?
If I were to set a mantra for myself, it would be to love deeply, passionately and unconditionally; live kindly, give generously, laugh frequently and work feverishly.
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