My friend, Bill Loyd, is a sculptor and bell maker. I was going to write about him for the blog but then I went to his website and re-read his Farmer’s Mantra. I couldn’t possibly introduce you to Bill in a better way than in his own words so, with his permission:
“Growing up on a farm in Colorado, I remember watching my father and uncle create useful equipment from apparent candidates for the junkyard. From this experience I learned that it’s usually possible to make do with what’s available and that the cup is rarely empty.
As I considered this “waste not, want not” mantra, I came to the realization that one could extend the concept to the creation of objects of grace and beauty as well as practicality.
My long held dream of being an artist was realized through the unlikely avenue of a protracted illness. It is intriguing how life can drag us, albeit kicking and screaming, to a place where we belong.
I reconsidered my welding business, thanked it for my skills and left it behind. I am back to work, skills intact, and determined to express my experience and the farmer’s mantra as objects of beauty to the eye and ear.
My materials are the refuse of industry. My world is filled with castoff oilfield pipe, expired pressure vessels and rusty chain. As I survey these objects in junkyards and surplus auctions, my mind leaves “the box”, turns a corner and proceeds along some unknown path. On this path, I am challenged to discover the potential for self-expression. I find joy in that challenge.”
You can see more of Bill’s work at http://GongWithTheWind.net. All photos in today’s post except for the first portrait of Bill were provided by Kevin Hulett.
I loved reading about Bill – I went to his site once I saw his bell installation on your land a while back…thanks for sharing it on here. He really is amazing:) So many beautiful people we never cross paths with in this world, but at least I get to see them thru you, thanks dear.
XOXO
Grace
Yes, Bill’s wonderful–remarkably creative! I love where he comes from and how he gets to his art. Part of what I love about living here is being surrounded by other artists who actively live their creativity. Bill is an important part of our community and a very meaningful friend.
Dig it! Very cool! As a theatre professor teaching design and technology I’ve discovered that farm/ranch kids are often VERY clever in making do with what is at hand. Bill is no exception. And, coincidently, working backstage is how I personally learned how to weld: on the job when I had to do it.
Yes, that making do concept fosters creative thinking I believe. I also feel there’s a benefit people receive from working the land–from being connected to nature–that allows for creativity as well. I feel we lost so much when we became industrial and many of us quit depending on the land or even understanding and respecting it.
I certainly hope that impromptu welding situation didn’t involve patching together anything load-bearing!