April 2023

Please introduce yourself and describe your background

Originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, I was fortunate to have my artistic talent recognized and supported my family and teachers. At an early age I knew I wanted to be an architect. I attended a small liberal arts college, Franklin and Marshall College, where I majored in fine art and art history. That experience enabled me to pursue and earn a Master of Architecture at the University of New Mexico. Now, after 40 years of successful architectural practice, I am resuming a life long dream as a fine artist.

What is your earliest memory of creating art?

I created art as a young child, never understanding its power and potential for success. My art helped to set me apart from others and to grow my inner confidence and self worth. This has served me throughout life.

Describe your primary medium and why you’ve chosen it for your artwork

I work with acrylic paint and medium simply because I like its convenience. It provides me with the flexibility to achieve my creative goals. I also love to draw.

What other media have you used?

I am fascinated by collage. Using paper, fabric and mixed media, I can be spontaneous and carefree creating imagery in smaller formats thus escaping the pressure “do it right” the first time.  I can throw it away if I don’t like it!

Describe your artwork in 10 words or less

Its not what it means but how it makes you feel.

What inspires your work?

My architectural design was characterized by simple form, dramatic patterns of color, light and shade, visual simplicity, and the important relationship of positive and negative space. So it is with my art. I am inspired and influenced by the pure light, strong form, varied textures, vibrant color and most importantly by the dramatic contrasts of the southwestern landscape--blue and orange skies, green and red earth, yellow vegetation and purple shadows. With a passion for drawing, I use line as a means to create movement and direction and as contrast in scale to simple planes and forms. I revel in color and its ability to elicit emotion. I strive to create simple, memorable and emotionally charged imagery.

If you could spend the day with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

William Turner. Even in a time when abstraction wasn’t even considered, he created powerful, emotionally charged images that transcend their subject matter. His technique was loose and full of energy and unconstrained. I would like to experience that energy and emotion with him.

Do you show your work commercially?  If so, where?

Yes, I have shown my work at the Mariposa Gallery, Sumner and Dene, Zendo Coffee, the Gallery with a Cause, and the RGAA Encantada show in Albuquerque.  Also the Moon and Dove Gallery in Corrales, the Taos Artist Collective, the Main Street Gallery in Kansas City, and Gallery One in Montgomery AL.  I have staged two shows over the last two years at the first Friday Arts Walk in Albuquerque. In 2023 I have shows scheduled for the 4^th Street Arts, the Open Space Gallery, and Fusion in Albuquerque.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I drove a trash truck in my teenage and college years, and once drove over a fire hydrant.

What advice would you offer younger artists just beginning their art careers?

I would tell them to never doubt or diminish their own art talent and passion due to either criticism or seeming indifference by the public, their friends or families. We are all our own worst enemy. You can overcome your own doubts knowing that self criticism is normal and actually good for you. Just don’t let it defeat you.

Seize it!

Your website:

www.billsabatini.com