Inside the Mind of an Artist

For John Williams, creativity and art is one of the most crucial aspects of his life.

The Winchester native and burgeoning artist, is a graduate of and UMASS Lowell, where he earned a BFA in Fine Art.

Along the way, Williams has had to overcome Asperger's Syndrome, which is a form of autism.

“For me, living with this disability is like having a TV turned on in my head with the channel changer broke/ Art helps me live with my disability. I can escape from the world and channel my energy into creations,” Williams said.

Williams' love for art began as soon as he came across his first mound of clay.

“It started the moment I could even touch clay at four years old. Originally, I thought I wanted to be a sculptor. My collage work started in High School art class.”

Williams uses clippings from magazines and books, along with a special archival glue to create his pieces. He combines his interest for American history and war into his work, creating many portraits of famous historical figures and landscapes.

“Perhaps in some way it is a mirror for me,” Williams said. “The world for me is a little bit fragmented, that life could be more messy then I'd like to admit. I try and find some order out of the chaos, some calm going against anxiety.”

Williams often brings particular focus to the eyes in his collage work, often hand-painting them so he can, “bring things to life in [his] own style."

Williams final comment on his collage work again alluded to the mirror-effect his art has on not only himself, but those viewing his pieces. Along with this idea, Williams wants to convey the eternal power of creating a lasting piece of art.

“It's as if I'm looking back at a self-reflection in my art, they are faces that will be around longer than mine," he said.

Williams art show is entitled Painting with Paper and premieres at 10 Wall Street, Burlington on May 20 and runs through June 15. Times for viewing are Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also stop by Frameworks, Sunday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to meet Williams at the Artist's Reception.

For more information on Williams' upcoming Painting with Paper art show, visit the Frameworks website by clicking here.

For more on William's art, visit his website.