William Tolliver Art
www.ArtPal.com/tolliverartsWilliam Tolliver dedicated over 38 of his 48 years to honing his craft as an artist, and his journey began at the tender age of seven. He embarked on this artistic adventure through friendly art contests initiated by his mother, who pitted him against his older brother to determine who was best. While his sibling's interest eventually waned, Tolliver's passion for art only deepened and grew more resolute.
In 1991, this Vicksburg, MS native took a significant step in his artistic career by relocating from Lafayette, La. to open a gallery in Atlanta, Georgia's Buckhead district, a venture that would span six fruitful years until 1997.
Despite lacking formal training, Tolliver's commitment to self-improvement was unwavering. He devoured knowledge from a staggering collection of over 4,000 books, the majority of which were centered on art. His insatiable thirst for artistic wisdom led him to immerse himself in the works of the masters, including luminaries like Chagall, Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
Tolliver's early exposure to the mechanics of color blending occurred through a paint-by-number kit, an experience that ignited his understanding of how colors harmoniously combined to create new shades. He recalled that the moment he comprehended this color blending system, a light bulb switched on in his mind. By the age of 10, he had already acquired the ability to craft "academically correct" paintings and drawings.
At the age of 13, while delving into the classics, Tolliver noticed a striking resemblance between his own artistic style and that of Picasso. He learned that Picasso, an ardent admirer of African art, had drawn inspiration from it, giving birth to the cubist style. Tolliver shared, "I knew my lines were like Picasso's, but it wasn't until later that I understood why."
However, cubism was merely one of Tolliver's artistic tools. He seamlessly incorporated elements of abstract, realism, and impressionism into his work, utilizing each as a means to create different facets of his paintings.
By the age of 14, Tolliver had acquired a profound understanding of technical art terminology. His art had evolved into a realm of pure originality, departing from the constraints of realism. Every stroke of his brush and every line he crafted bore the mark of his uniqueness. His artwork spoke volumes, exuding pride, strength, and soul in every subject, whether depicting humble cotton pickers or radiant beauties.
Among his many accomplishments, one of Tolliver's exceptional works toured with the Smithsonian Museum, a testament to the lasting impact of his artistry. Additionally, he received a commission from the Olympic Games Committee to create a piece that encapsulated the "Spirit of Georgia" for the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, GA.
For Tolliver, art was a demand for a response, whether positive or negative. His objective was to elicit reactions, and when one beholds Tolliver's art, it's virtually impossible not to respond. His vivid and creative use of colors, his meticulous compositions, his skillful lines, and his choice of subjects all beckon a response. In every facet of his work, Tolliver showcased the divine talent he discovered early in life.
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