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"I ask myself these questions every day, but seek the answers in my paintings.
Within my love of music, dance, movement and the constant search for my muse, that is why I make art.
My inspiration was clear, it has always been with me, but it has only found fruition in the last few years. The direction was formed in my mind over a period of years, yet unexpressed visually, before I ever put pencil to paper or brush to canvas as I painted in my subconscious.
What my art signifies is the intimate feelings of the subject in the situation with me on a journey to tell the story or send the message I want to convey.
Growing up and living in England gave me the opportunity to see theater at its best (legit or otherwise). From opera to traveling repertory companies, specializing in musicals and light Viennese operettas also the Saddler’s Wells Ballet company's performances. Going to the cinema often during this period the 40’s and 50's exposed me to the idealistic, romantic make believe of Hollywood and the drama of film noir. However, it was in the Powell & Pressburger productions of balletic films, like the Tales of Hoffman and The Red Shoes that inspired me most, with their vivid expressionistic colors and atmospheric settings.
Music halls were prevalent at that time with the emerging magic of "Burlesque", as well as traditional fare Many shows toured the circuit, especially at the Hackney Empire Theater, which was in my neighborhood. I was always fascinated by the artists, the back stage atmosphere, the hard work, the preparation and the auditioning.
In my paintings, I have tried to give the subject, whether Flamenco, Belly, Ballet, Burlesque or Portraiture, settings that are more than scenery but with atmosphere. In doing so I have tried not to sacrifice movement but add an air of mystery or an unanswered question. It's easy to see my reverence for Paul Gauguin and the influence of Walter Sickert's theatrical paintings.
Both say to me... Why Not?"
~ Bill Wolfmann