Ulysses

About the Artist: Bill Carman
Upon taking his items to the counter of a local convenience store Bill Carman encountered a young clerk whose first words were, “Dude, your head is perfectly round.” Pause, Bill’s reply: “Uh, thank you?” One would think that in such a perfectly round dome ideas and images might be orbiting neatly, ripe for the plucking. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Bill’s head were opened it would be quite messy. A lot goes in there and if he did not release the pressure, an eye might pop out. Though Bill’s work can be meticulous in its execution his mind scribbles, jumps, spins, and spits. Building on a creative itch, surface speaks and things emerge as unknown yet familiar characters, odd forms, and unbalancing juxtapositions. Some pieces divulge narratives as he paints, some stare back and challenge. Hopefully those who see Bill’s work will be touched in that mad place that lies in the overlooked corridors of every brain.

Bill Carman has worked as a designer, illustrator, and art director. He continues to free-lance and exhibit his work nationally and internationally. Currently a professor teaching illustration and drawing, Bill has greased enough palms to be included in annuals like the Society of Illustrators NY, receiving both gold and silver medals, Spectrum Fantastic Art, with gold and silver awards, Communication Arts, 3x3, and American Illustration. 3d Total Publishing’s Sketching from the Imagination series (Dark Arts and Fantasy), Imagine FX, Magazine, International Artist’s Magazine, and DPI Magazine are just a few of the anthologies and publications which include Bill’s work.

He maintains a client list including: Random House Inc. (children’s book), LucasArts Entertainment, Macmillan, Night Shade Publishing, Group One, Quality Inn Hotels, Avid Publications, Atari, SSI, TSR Inc., SETI Institute, Boise Weekly, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Utne Reader, Idaho Fish and Game, NPR, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Contemporary Theater, Opera Idaho, Plan Sponsor Magazine, and Easton Press.

Bill never stops painting and drawing for exhibitions and occasionally still produces an illustration that lands a little off center. His book, “Imagery From the Bird’s Home: The Art of Bill Carman” is currently available from Flesk Publications.