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I've always been interested in all forms of art. However, these interests had to wait until I retired, due to obligations of being the sole provider and head of a household. Once I retired, my art interests took time to reawaken. One day my daughter took me to an adult art class. I looked at them working and I thought, that's easy! I can do that! Ever since that day I have been using more and more forms of artistic expression. My former college art training and dormant skills have been awakened.
When I paint or draw, my mind becomes alert, focused, and completely absorbed into the task at hand. I get lost in my work and time flies amazingly fast. Creating art is my fun, gives me a rush and I look forward to each new artistic experience day after day.
Art allows me to review important events in my life. My art is a visual reminiscence that allows me to relive significant events in my past that affect me deeply. I'm a Realist. Painting real events that I've experienced allows me to pass along a legacy of memories not only to my family, but to as many people as care to grow and gain a pictorial insight into my personal African American experience. I have had close to a century of these experiences from which to draw.
My art has helped make my retirement meaningful, productive, and enjoyable.
Neil Williams - 2000
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