Bill McGrath- Sculptor, Maker

Bill McGrath likes how the physical world is put together, including its natural and man-made elements. It's our petri dish, made for us to observe, to respond to and then possibly impact. Sculpture is a non-verbal way for Bill to respond. He observes the world through his own filters, and then conjure up responses in materials like steel, aluminum, rope, wood or stone. Most times the materials and the shape he is creating speak to him. Sometimes the messages are "I don't work that way," or "I want to bend this way," or "I'd look much better if you cut off this part and get rid of it." When Bill McGrath is lucky, it's "I am very comfortable just like this." Many pieces change through the process of creation.

 

Bill finds peace in patterns and certain repetitive spacial relationships, often suggested by nature, even to be found among what at first glance may be very dissimilar elements. Water and stone couldn't be more different, but both are required to result in a rushing creek in early Colorado springtime. Each is needed to define the other. He believes that sculpture in particular reflects that reality. A created object occupies space, and in doing so, defines the space around it, such as in the creation of shadows. The individual elements of a sculpture do the same with each other.  A successful piece draws one in to walk around it and observe the differences that changes in vantage point make, actually including the viewer. Looking at sculpture carefully, like observing nature and life, can help make one mindful.

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Finally, Bill believes there is much beauty to be observed and thought to be generated in "useful" objects, perhaps objects we come into close contact with regularly. On his "Useful" Objects page you'll see see projects that appealed to him at the moment. Bill doesn't like to deny surges in energy that allow him to manipulate materials in a way that's pleasing to others. It gives him great pleasure to work at the suggestion of friends and other people.