Imaginary things, shapes, emotions and colors bounce around in my head somehow finding their way onto the canvas where they compete among themselves to attain a position relevant to their individual importance to the dynamics and mood of the painting.
from Anonymous
About Bill Shields
The above statement most aptly describes Bill’s feelings towards the creative and spiritual quest to which serious artists aspire. As a successful designer and illustrator of national publications and books, Bill’s work took him to Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. His career as an illustrator culminated in a thirteen year stint in New York. Bill’s architectural designs were also published in the United States and Europe.
Bill’s landscape painting began during a residency in Paris in the early 1980’s, and lasted for several years. Shortly thereafter, he chose to focus his energies toward the freedom and imagination expressed in gestural abstract painting.
Bill presented several one-man shows at the Bridge Gallery in San Francisco, and was represented by the Museum of Modern Art, Fort Mason Center. Aside from painting, he taught illustration and fine art at the following institutions: San Francisco Art Institute, California College of Arts and Crafts, San Jose State University, The University of Syracuse MFA Program, and he had a special long-term relationship with the Academy of Art College, San Francisco.
As an artist, Bill felt that there can be no greater gift than to be able to share one’s life work and vision, as a contribution to the society in which we live.
