Today we’d like to introduce you to JOHN WILLIAMS.
Hi JOHN, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I hail from the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, but my journey took an unexpected turn when I relocated to Texas to accept a position as an Operations Manager at Amazon. Each weekend became a mini-adventure, as I explored the diverse landscapes of Texas. I found joy jogging around Lady Bird Lake in Austin, savoring tacos along the San Antonio Riverwalk, immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Houston, uncovering hidden gems scattered around Dallas and North Texas, I even spent a considerable amount of time near the Gulf along the coastlines.
However, in 2023, I faced an unanticipated layoff that turned my world upside down. With a portion of my severance pay, I decided to embrace a radical change and pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a working artist capable of inspiring others. I rented a charming villa in Corpus Christi, stocked up on canvases and art supplies, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery through art. To my astonishment, I produced 55 original pieces within just a week, each reflecting my newfound passion.
This creative explosion led me to develop my signature style, Color Fusion, which intertwines color theory with emotional storytelling. Now, three years later, I proudly operate my own art studio in a small town just outside Chicago. My studio is situated on a repurposed Air Force Base that once housed the Tuskegee Airmen, a poignant reminder of resilience and purpose that fuels my work and community involvement.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path to my current place has been anything but smooth. I navigated a personal storm that included a divorce, the heart-wrenching loss of custody of my children, and the instability of losing my home. For a year, I lived a nomadic existence. I moved from place to place, grappling with uncertainty and searching for my purpose amidst the chaos. Yet, it was through this tumultuous journey that I rediscovered my passion for art and found the strength to rebuild my life. I kept the faith. Each struggle became a stepping stone towards my true calling, ultimately leading me to a place of healing and creativity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the heart of my work lies a profound purpose: to inspire and heal through art. I specialize in a unique style I call OLORFUSION , where I harness the power of color theory to evoke emotions and provoke thought. I believe that art can be a transformative force, capable of igniting a kaleidoscope of feelings within the viewer. It’s not about monetary success for me; it’s about creating a meaningful dialogue and fostering a deeper connection through my pieces. I invite them to feel.
What sets me apart is my commitment to using art as therapy, both for myself and for those who engage with my work. I strive to create pieces that reflect the dualities of life—beginnings and endings, joy and sorrow, love and loss. My goal is to make people not just see, but truly feel, and to inspire them to reflect on their own experiences and FEEL SOMETHING!. This, to me, is the essence of COLORFUSION.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Beyond my artistic endeavors, I hold a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University, where I graduated with a commendable grade point average. I have a breathtaking thirst for knowledge and I can descry inspiration anywhere. In fact, this craving has taken me to 30 of the 51 states, and I have plans to explore the remaining states to further enrich my creative journey. Maine, , South Carolina, Hawaii and Pennsylvania are all in my sight lines. Every new experience, each new place, every sunrise in a new place feeds my passion for art and deepens my understanding of the world around me. I believe that every encounter holds the potential to inspire, and I am excited to see where my travels will lead me next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ARTCRY.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19QFikXeKt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: @ARTCRYTelevision
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartcry?_r=1&_t=ZT-91L92923G3i
Image Credits
I painted, photographed, and conceptualized all photos and used a digital staging software called Smartist to present these submissions
