This week, I had the pleasure of visiting the studio of Franklin Williams. I’d only recently learned about his work. As it so happens, he lives just minutes from my house.
It’s hard to describe what I experienced as I walked through the home he shares with Carol, his wife/partner/manager/best friend of 60+ years. It was like walking inside a work of art. Pieces were hung from floor to ceiling in a cacophony of color and pattern. The furniture was equally busy but complemented the art perfectly.
"Slovakian Mask" by Franklin Williams, 2018, Acrylic and ink on canvas, crochet thread, fabric and glue
Perhaps it’s hard to find words for the work because Franklin couldn’t read or write until he was 30—so he used art to express his inner world. He doesn’t believe that words have any place in art. His dense and detailed pieces scream private, wordless messages that speak to something non-verbal in the viewer. Their patterns echo the years he spent under the table, watching his mom and her circle sew quilts and lace.
He’s in his 80s now, with over 1200 artworks in his oeuvre, and still creating. In fact, the current pieces in his studio, which no one can photograph, are some of his best yet (in my opinion). After a lifetime of obsessively working in solitude, he’s suddenly getting international acclaim—which he seems to find amusing.
"Goethe Perfection" by Franklin Williams, 2018, Acrylic and crochet threads on canvas
What I got most from seeing his work is renewed inspiration. Here’s a person who has devoted his life to creating every day. My busy life may look nothing like his, but I understand that constant need to express. It’s what drives all artists. Even when we try to talk ourselves out of it.
When I see someone so prolific, I remember to keep going on my own projects. That’s what I try to do for others: inspire them to keep going. Keep making art. Keep listening to that urge. You never know whom you might be helping, just by creating something.
Art Heals
I learned about Christina Bothwell's work from a Colossal article. If you click on the image, you'll get to her website. In the spirit of appreciating art without words, I'll let you take this in without any more input from me.
