ABOUT
Artist Statement
My work explores the hidden elegance of the industrial world - a world I came to know intimately over a forty-year career in manufacturing. Long before I became a full-time artist, I spent decades immersed in the design and manufacturing of engineered machines. That experience enables me to approach the canvas with an intimate nuanced understanding of machines that allows me to perceive them not merely as utilitarian objects, but for their brilliant fusion of science, materials and ingenuity designed to help humans create value.
In my semi-abstract paintings, the subject is machines and their human connection. Using acrylic paint, drawing medium and collage, my intent is to challenge the popular perception of machines and reveal their inherent beauty, rhythm and sheer fascination. Collage elements - including engineering drawings, technical notations, component sketches and related text - highlight elements specific to each machine and serve as both visual language and narrative.
By abstracting their forms and exposing their inner dynamics I hope not only to spark the same sense of respect, interest and curiosity that guided my own lifelong relationship with machines but also to inspire discourse on machine and human connections and co-evolution.
Bio
William Blankemeier’s artistic practice is a celebration of the industrial world – a world he came to know intimately over forty-year career in manufacturing. Long before he became a full-time artist, he spent decades immersed in the design and manufacturing of engineered machines. That experience enables him to approach the canvas with an intimate nuanced understanding of machines that allows him to perceive them not merely as utilitarian objects, but for their brilliant fusion of science, materials and ingenuity designed to help humans create value.
In his semi-abstract paintings, the subject is machines and their human connection. Using acrylic paint, drawing medium and collage, his intent is to challenge the popular perception of machines and reveal their inherent beauty, rhythm and sheer fascination. By abstracting their forms and exposing their inner dynamics he hopes not only to spark the same sense of respect, interest and curiosity that guided his own lifelong relationship with machines but also to inspire discourse on machine and human connections and co-evolution.
Blankemeier developed the foundation for his transition to his current practice through a series of classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He lives in Chicago and works from his home studio.
Contact
Bill Blankemeier
