"Looking Up from Underwater" - scratch board - by William Brill Learning and dealing with woods and the carpentry I became curious about wood carving. About seven years ago, I had attended class under the instructor Ray Wach. His teachings and guidance spurred me to continue. My first carving was a knife handle using an old hack saw blade. I was hooked! I continued taking lessons to "hone" my abilities.
I have carved numerous pieces; from bears to birds, dogs to fish and frog; from squirrels to reliefs. For these art pieces I have won numerous first place ribbons at various wood shows
and have sold several pieces as well. Because of winning several first place blue ribbons, several second place red ribbons and two bests in show I officially earned the title of Master Carver.
Since my wood carvings depict certain species true coloring had become the next step to achieve. After many attempts, I have been able to turn my carvings into pieces that are so life-like many think they are taxidermy pieces! That is when I knew I had achieved my goal.
Painting each piece had spurred me to attend art classes with Ron Grobes, water colorist, to perfect my abilities in coloring and fluidness of color. I still attend and am enjoying every moment.
After all I have accomplished throughout my journey to becoming Master Carver which I thoroughly enjoyed, I must say my passion for the art of wood carving and now painting has grown becoming more than just a hobby. They have become part of me or I should say I have become part of them."
Master Carver William Brill, a man of strong stature, is soft spoken, a gentle giant who teaches you the need to respect and honor our surroundings. You think he might be Native American or an Indigenous to North America because of his teachings...he just might have been in another lifetime. The wood from the trees he uses is part of Mother Nature...he reminds us it was alive at one time giving of itself the much needed oxygen we need to breathe, giving us protection from the elements and it once was the home of certain wildlife. Trees give us more...once cut down they are used for building homes, paper, even making toothpicks. Many don't know either that when forest fires happen we lose all of that and more...however, those burnt tree trunks that are left are utilized as utility poles throughout the country...perhaps overseas too.
Mr. Brill examines each piece of wood he chooses. He prepares it before he uses his tools on it. He remembers the tree standing tall, he respects tree and its connection to the cycle of life, he honors tree by giving thanks for its strength, its austerity, its life by breathing life back into each piece of wood he uses. With the stroke of his tools, he carves ever so carefully - with a slight cut to give it a softer tone; with a deeper cut to give it 3-D depth; working in the round so his subject can be seen from all sides. His wood sculptures come alive, passing on respect and honor for Mother Nature and its off spring - tree, animal, plant, fowl - which he portrays in each piece to the person who looks in awe at the finished artwork.
In honoring his beliefs in respecting and honoring our surroundings it is as if each subject's spirit becomes Mr. Brill's muse, directing him to take care as he ever so passionately brings it to life for Spirit is etched, carved into each piece with each stroke of the cutting tool. There are times Spirit nudges him towards a certain piece of wood that captures the next subject he will be honing into a work of art bringing it to life. Mother Nature's way of thanking him for passing it forward to us, teaching to R E S P E C T, and honor what surrounds us. Now it is understood when he said "...They have become a part of me, or I should say I have become part of them."
An amazing man, for not many know he owns an exterminating business. One would think a bit of an oxymoron since he respects Mother Nature and her off spring. But no one understands that he will not destroy certain environmentally friendly species of animals according to Connecticut State law, and will re-locate them to a space where no building is allowed, where they can run free with no worries...a space up north in Connecticut...a space that borders a friend's farm...a space that is reserved by the state as Open Space. His R E S P E C T and honor of Mother Nature's off spring continues...However, there are those environmentally friendly species that CANNOT be relocated due to the possibility of the spread of disease.
When looking at "Large Mouth Bass" you will understand the connection Mr. Brill has with each piece of art. You can see that the spirit of both tree and subject were fused together creating a beautiful work of art bringing "Large Mouth Bass" to life.
Take a second look for "Large Mouth Bass" swooped up a tiny frog into its mouth; you might even see his gills moving as he breathes...
Master Carver William Brill is June's Artist at SoBoBo. His creations will be on display at SoBoBo Gallery for the month of June from June 1st to June 30th. One must visit and see the connection between Mother Nature, its offspring and Mr. Brill...you yourself will truly understand and will begin to R E S P E C T and honor our surroundings.
SoBoBo Gallery located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue is opened Thursday through Sunday from Noon to 6:00 pm...Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday please call 203-906-8945 to make an appointment or e-mail soboboartgallery@gmail.com.
