Artist William Kolok creates bold abstract sculptures created with reclaimed and natural materials. View more of his portfolio by visiting his website.
New England working-class ethics require hard work with little opportunity to dream.
I, however, was a dreamer.
Not a bright student, I worked hard to find my place in this world and achieve my modest goals. During college in the south I discovered the world of art and my path became clear.
With a Don Quixote approach to life I dreamt the impossible dream and became an artist. Teaching art in the rural south was a challenge, but I was used to working hard. Making sculpture became my goal, and I labored to be creative on a teacher’s salary.
An MFA in sculpture from the University of Georgia, a family and a position teaching at a small college rounded out my life. Sculpting occupied my creative energy every evening and much of the summer as I worked in my small home studio.
Retired, I now spend my days at Kolok Sculpture Gallery and Studio creating. I am mostly alone but never lonely. I am driven to sculpt as I have something to say that only I can say.
A quote from Gandhi is written on my studio wall, “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”
I sell some of my work and I am represented in a few galleries. I wake up every day with a desire to go to my studio and make art. It still isn’t easy. I struggle to express my feelings in a language few understand; but I am living my dream. I am an artist.
In my work, I create a relationship between natural materials, such as stone and wood, and reclaimed materials, highlighting the beauty found when aged material is used as an abstract element.
I prefer using materials like old lumber, limestone from old buildings and weather-worn tools in my art, as they have a distinctive character. My life and my talent combine to create sculptures that are simple, bold and subtle.
Artist William Kolok invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
Speak Your Mind