Artist Statement:
Bill Russell makes his abstract and narrative paintings look and feel unencumbered and joyous. The abstract images in his paintings are both iconic and biomorphic. It typically references cultural artifacts, cool jazz and post-war Ab-Ex painting. The subject matter of his more figurative works reference unique landscapes, floral themes and nature.
Education:
BFA, 1976 Parsons School of Design
Awards & Distinctions:
2011 Recology Artist in Residence, San Francisco
2018 Kala Art Institute Residency, Berkeley, California
Professional/Teaching Experience:
Adjunct Professor of Illustration, California College of the Arts, 1994 -1998
Exhibitions:
Solo shows:
2023 Winter’s Bloom, Sofie Arts Contemporary, Calistoga, CA
2022 Ice Show - Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
2018 Sofie Contemporary, Calistoga, CA
2017 San Francisco Open Studios
2015 Stanford Art Spaces, Palo Alto, CA
2012 Siren Salon, San Anselmo, CA
2012 123 Bolinas, Fairfax, CA
2011 Recology AIR Sketchbook & Prints, San Francisco
2010 Hunter’s Point Open Studios, San Francisco, CA
2008 Bay Area Sound Studios
2008 Hunter’s Point Open Studios, San Francisco, CA
2007 Firewood Café, 18th St. in the Castro, San Francisco, CA
2006 Print for Center for the Book Steamroller Event, San Francisco, CA
2005-13 Marin Open Studios, San Rafael, CA
2001 The Branson School in Ross, California, CA
1997 Hunter’s Point Open Studios, San Francisco, CA
1994 Intimate Vessels, Petite Café, San Francisco, CA
1993 Distractions and Reactions, Reactor Gallery, Toronto, Canada
Artistic Influences:
Ben Shahn, Charles Burchfield, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, William Morris, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Joan Miro, George Grosz, Chester Arnold, Albrecht Dürer, and more.
Artist Tags:
abstract, collage, jazz, midcentury, still life, nature
