Visual artist William Boler recalls viewing a documentary by David Driskell, Black Art: In the Absence of Light in 2021.“This film really inspired me, even though I didn’t pick up a paint brush until years later. The exposure to artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Betye Saar uncovered a fire in me to create what was there but hidden.” Ever since 2023, William has been dedicated to his craft and enjoying the process. He considers himself a self-taught artist, and “a student of YouTube University with credits from the local libraries.”
Although still discovering his voice as an artist, the color black is often seen in William’s art. He recalls having specific intentions on conveying a message while also creating a motif throughout his art. He read an article about an artist who discussed how the deepness and fullness of the black figure reinforced the artist’s negation of artistic convention and symbolically augmented his exaltation of the black experience. “This article really resonated with me, and I wanted to use my art to showcase the beauty and complexity of the color black,” William says. “So, in my works, I love to showcase black as the central theme. In all of my works, there is a balance and beauty to the abstraction and intention with each color choice and layering of mixed media, and along with all of that beauty and thought is a beautiful black form.”
William is inspired by the works of other artists, including artists of other genres. “I love films that make you think, so anything by Stanley Kubrick. His films are so layered it often takes three or four times watching one of his movies to put together what’s going on.” William adds that the idea that someone can be so intentional and hide things in plain sight is inspirational and challenges him with his own artistry. He also finds inspiration by listening to musicians like Frank Ocean, Solange, and Gold Link. “I love when musical artists make conceptual albums, challenge conventional radio sound and format, all while being authentic to themselves.”
Since the inception of his art career, William has found that music videos have also been a source of inspiration, as they are another conceptual vehicle for musical artists. “From barbershops on Saturday mornings, to MTV Jams in college, going over to my older cousins’ houses and even as a kid at home by myself watching 106 & Park and Rap City,” he recalls that they have always played a part in culture for him. “Growing up in the 2000s, who can forget Hype Williams and his contribution to music videos—Busta Rhymes & Janet Jackson ‘What’s It Gonna Be’— or ‘I Know What You Want’ with Mariah Carey, and Slick Rick’s ‘Behind Bars’, which appealed to my love of animation.”
William shares that his creative process begins as soon as he wakes up in the morning. “I kind of look at creativity as a state of being, and I have noticed that when I follow a ‘disciplined’ routine throughout the day, it’s way easier for me to get in that state of creativity at night when I am painting.” Throughout this daytime routine, William doesn’t listen to music or watch films, but will perhaps listen to a sports podcast and add some pins on Pinterest. “Our brains are constantly working and solving problems and generating new ideas, so I let my mind do this subconsciously through the day, and then at night when it’s time to create, I will listen to music, watch videos, or watch movies for inspiration.”
To see more of William’s art, visit his website thesecretlifeofacrylic.com and follow him on Instagram: @thesecretlifeofacrylic.
