Charles Williams’ paintings draw from a long fascination with connections between human emotions and the natural world. Deeply personal and inscribed with a tone meant to inspire hope and personal awareness, Williams’ realistic depictions of oceans and marshy landscapes invite the viewer to share in his vision from a point of introspection and contemplation. His recent series of large-scale oil paintings entitled Swim: An Artist’s Journey are based on a frightening childhood experience in which Williams was swept out to sea by a sudden current. He offers a vulnerable glimpse of both the wonder and horror of that experience, laying bare the sensation of being consumed by natural forces. In addition, he confronts stereotypes associated with the cultural and psychological barriers to swimming he experienced as a young African-American.
Charles Williams earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2006. His work has garnered numerous awards including the Hudson River Landscape Fellowship in 2009, a Dave Brown Project award in 2013, and the 2013 Griffith/Reyburn Artist of the Year award.