PORT HURON – Local artist Cecil Williams said he feels the need to create art that has something to say. Now pieces of his art and their messages are being sold in Europe.
Williams, 73, has been an artist since 1973, when he started to do stained glass work. Since then, he has created and sold multiple paintings, stained glass pieces and painted glass pieces. Recently, William’s art has been purchased in Spain, Germany, and England.
Williams said it feels good to have his art be recognized internationally.
“It’s a good surprise for sure,” he said. “It’s an affirmation.”
He said while it feels good to now sell his art overseas, he’s not a fan of the paperwork he needs to fill out for customs.
Within the United States, William’s art has been purchased by people in Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago and Virginia. Additionally, multiple local businesses have purchased and displayed his art including the Raven Cafe, District 43, Happy Dog Yoga and Andy’s Wine Bar.
Williams said he doesn’t try to get rich off of one sale, and that he doesn’t create art just to make money.
Williams said when he creates a painting, he wants it to say something.
“Art has the potential to change society,” he said. “It is a powerful thing in my opinion.”
When starting a painting, Williams will look at old photos or look online to find a reference for things such as clothing, the landscape or automobiles. He said what he works on depends on what is going on in his mind at that time.
One of the first projects Williams did when he started making art were pen and ink drawings. He also creates stained glass window and door pieces.
Williams also takes commissions and does portraits. People interested in requesting a portrait can contact him at cwill39@comcast.net or (810) 858-2701.
His art can also be found at www.artwanted.com/cwill128.
Williams said he primarily works with oil paint because he likes how he can play with the colors without it immediately drying.
Paintings can take days to complete depending on the size. Williams said a piece he did for Art on the River in 2021 called “Float Down” took him about three months to complete. Another painting, however, only took him eight hours to complete.
Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.
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