Some artists and designers draw inspiration from within themselves’. Some artists are simply inspired by the world around them, artists such as Bill Dan. Bill Dan is a San Francisco based artist, who is a self-taught rock balancer. He’s been working on his craft since 1994. His work is community-based art. He has been known to work at places like Fisherman’s Wharf, Crissy Field, or the waterfront of Sausalito. He creates about 10 sculptures daily to the delights of unexpecting passersby. He describes his work as simplistic. His philosophy is: "sometimes people make things too complicated. This is the opposite."
I have never seen his work in person, but I have been quite a fan for some time now. Just looking at the photos of his work makes you want to hold your breath and make no sudden movements. His work creates a good deal of tension with his gravity defying displays. Being able to connect to nature and manipulate it to do mind-bending things is a great feat in the world of art. His medium is not bought at the supply store, but rather his are found in nature. Something that seems so complicated appears effortless once put in the hands of Bill Dan. Creating such a delicate art in such a public setting begins to show the humble nature of his work. Having your gallery be put out into the general public helps bridge the gap between art and everyday people. Some people are intimidated by art and do not quite understand it. Bill Dan is helping people begin to question the limitations of art. He is making them ask the question: “What exactly do I consider art?” Artists like him are making art accessible to the masses and helps people begin to see that nature is, in fact, an art of itself.
Bill Dan’s Unofficial website: http://www.rock-on-rock-on.com/index.html
YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bebalance
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