Many are familiar with the bands God Speed! You Black Emperor, Okkervil River, and Songs: Ohia (just to name a few). What these bands have in common is the artwork of Providence, Rhode Island-based artist William Schaff. Besides having his art work appear on the album cover of these previously said mentioned bands, he creates so many other unforgettable pieces of art work. I had the opportunity to ask William some questions about art and music.
I just want to begin by saying that your art is beautifully haunting and nostalgic. Nostalgic in the sense that its art that you don't normally see but looks familiar and once you see (your art) it makes you smile and think of fond memories. Haunting in a friendly way and not menacing in any form what so ever. Some of the pieces provoke an intense feeling that I can only describe as "haunting". The feeling stays with you and delivers introspective thoughts.
William: Thank you, Alex. It is kind of you to say. I am glad to read that my works strikes such a chord with you.
To begin, can you provide a little background on your art history?
William: Like most kids, it seems, I drew. I drew, and I drew, and I drew. Unlike most kids, it seems, I never stopped. My parents were always very supportive of my drawing, so that helped bolster me confidence. Then, because I could draw pretty well it helped me socially with my school mates and all that. I was fortunate enough to have certain opportunities of studying art, and then went on to study full time at college. Upon my release into the world, I have since tried my best to make a living. This has involved working many other jobs to support myself while I create the art. This brings me to present day. I am currently writing you from an unheated live in studio, where I can see my breathe as I type. I'm coming up in the world!
You seem to eat and sleep art 24/7.Like some shark's if you stop you will cease to live. From paintings, drawings, collage, scratch board, paper cuts, embroidery and diorama what kind of art is your favorite to create?
Have you or do you dabble in sculpting ?( I would love to see what you come up with.)
William:The shark analogy is neat. I do not have a preferred medium. I work in what I am commissioned to do, or what I feel the piece I am making calls for. As for sculpting. I studied it a bit in college -- figurative sculpture. As for sculpting since school, I have only once tried.http://www.flickr.com/photos/samsa1973/58180262/in/set-72157622235067997/
Mixed media diorama "Had I known" -17"x23"x8"
People who are fans of God Speed! You Black Emperor ,Songs: Ohia (to name a few) have your art work on their album covers and probably didn't know it. Where you approached by these artists or did you approach them?
William: I am approached by the musicians I have done work for. In the case of Godspeed, they asked to use images from a book I did, called "Notes to a friend; Silently listening". They asked to use the images. Otherwise, yes, the imagery is left up to me. Input is welcome, but the final image is mine.
Currently which album covers for bands are you working on?
William:I am currently working on the artwork for the next Dreamend album. It's driving me crazy, because we are trying to figure out how to make it so that the lp itself, being a picture disc, will create an animation the listener can watch.
Which bands (that you haven't been able to do yet) would you like to do album art cover for?
William: Too many to list. But some of the top ones would be His Name Is Alive, the Mountain Goats, Extra Action Marching Band, Tom Waits.
Speaking of music I read that you were in a band? What band(s) are you/or were you in?
William: I am currently in the What Cheer? Brigade. It's an 18 piece renegade brass band. You can find out more about it here:
www.whatcheerbrigade.com. As for past bands, I have been lucky enough to play in Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores, The Iditarod, Did a short stint with Black Forest/ Black Sea, and I love you & I miss You.
How important is music in the creative process of your art? Does it influence your art style or inspire you? What else inspires you to create?
William: Music is of the utmost importance, because it is to me. I cannot imagine a life without music, or being unable to hear music. I have often wondered which would break my heart more -- to be blind, or to be deaf. I don't know if it influences my style as much as it can influence the content of the image. As for other things that influence me....just life. The way I see people interacting with others. The history that exists within the present day as a living, breathing part of that day.
I see that you also illustrate envelopes when sending out mail correspondence, "mail art".I love how creative you are with the composition of the stamp art as you work it into the art piece you create. Do you do this for fun or to all your mail?
William: Not as much as I would like, and not as much as I used to. But yes, I do it for fun. It just seems like a nicer way to get mail.
What projects/commissioned pieces are you working on at this moment?
William: The only commission I am working on right now is the album for Dreamend, I mentioned earlier. I am also currently working on an embroidery of a prison rape, and a painting of a group of people dining but these projects are not commissions.
Do you have any interests in being a full time graphic novelist? I see your art and always think how fantastic it would be to see an illustrated story of yours.
William: No, I don't. If I were to do more stories, I would like to do them as I have in the past. Not so much as a linear narrative in the traditional sense. But one where each page could stand on its own, outside of the story, but at the same time works as part of the whole. I have done illustrated stories..several of which you can see on the flickr site.
Is there any advice that you would like to share with others trying to make a living as an artist?
William: Not without sounding cynical or possibly bitter. Stay strong, I guess. It is a tricky and hard life. If it is what you are meant to do, you will do it no matter what anyone else says or advises.
Thank you for your time I truly appreciate it and look forward to seeing more of your art work.
William: Thank you, sir.
To see more of William Schaff's art or to purchase some of his art go to the following websites below. (You won’t be disappointed)
