THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994 TAG: 9406240229
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Medium
DATELINE: 940626 LENGTH:
``It's not going to be the last time either,'' said a self-assured Williams, who exhibited 18 works in this year's show.
{REST} Williams, 28, is an abstract expressionist, which means he turns to his own feelings and emotions to create a work of art. He paints, he said, ``to show my expressions of what the moment is like.''
For example, one of his works, ``Fly, Fly Away,'' was created after he watched a snake trying to catch a baby bird in his grandfather's backyard. He donated the painting, which was awarded a ribbon in the Seawall Art Show, to the Portsmouth Museum.
During Operation Desert Storm, Williams created another award-winning piece, called ``Stars and Stripes.''
``It was red, white and blue, but there was some light blue in the painting, too, which represented the water, as well as the U.S. Navy,'' he said.
In a work called ``Bird's Nest,'' Williams put into the painting real feathers, pieces of grass and pine straw, ``just like birds build their nests from,'' he said.
``The mediums that I prefer to use are pastels, and I like to mix that up with watercolor and acrylic. I like to go outside in the backyard, go to the park, pick up things off the ground, bring those home and see if they can add something to a painting,'' he said.
Williams' interest in art dates back to ``the day I was born.''
``When I was a little boy, my mother told me I used to draw a lot. I enjoyed art when I was a little boy, and as I got older, I just continued to enjoy art.''
An art teacher at Brighton and Port Norfolk elementary schools for the last three years, Williams said his life without art ``wouldn't be as good as it is now.''
``The art keeps me motivated, just like teaching. I think if I didn't teach art, I wouldn't stay at school as long as I do,'' he said.
``Like I say, Brighton and Port Norfolk (elementary schools) are like a hangout. I stay after school working with children because it's fun. I don't get tired. I don't get sick. It doesn't bother me. The children love it. The parents enjoy it . . . It just makes my life wonderful.''
Name: Willie Lee Williams Jr.
Nickname: None
Number of years in Portsmouth: Three
Birthplace: Portsmouth Naval Hospital
Birthdate: April 21, 1966
Occupation: Art teacher (Brighton Elementary and Port Norfolk Elementary)
What other job than your own would you like? School administrator
Marital Status: Single
Children: None
Fondest childhood memory: Traveling overseas to Germany and wonderful places in the United States while my father was in the Army.
First concert: Atlantic Star, 1984, Hampton Coliseum
What song or book title best describes your life? ``The Creative Artist''
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you'd buy? My mother and father a new home.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? The Rev. Jesse Jackson. The reason is that he makes speeches to people of all ages telling them what it takes to be successful. Plus he preaches and tell individuals why it is important to have faith in God. When you have faith in the Lord, he will provide.
Biggest accomplishment: Earning my bachelor's degree with honors at Norfolk State University in 1988.
Most embarrassing moment: In March 1993, I walked out of my house, dressed up like a clown for ``Circus Day'' at Brighton Elementary.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Nothing. I'm happy the way I am.
Perfect way to spend the day: Teaching art and motivating students to do the right thing (i.e. following instructions, listening to the right people, being a winner and thinking big).
I can't resist: Working on a project until it's completed.
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: The Max
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: Brighton Elementary and Port Norfolk Elementary schools
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Crime
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
More parental involvement with their children in school.
More recreational centers and activities for elementary and high school students.
More and better housing facilities.
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about working in Portsmouth? It's wonderful teaching and helping students to be successful.
{KEYWORDS} PROFILE
by CNB