Experience Cortland will be featuring a Cortland County artist at the Visitors Center throughout the year. The program was developed to showcase local artwork and photography to travelers and locals in hopes of them taking a piece of Cortland County home. Feel free to stop by during regular business hours to view the work. Come meet Rose in person, April 1, from 12 pm.-3 pm, at the Winter Farmers Market.
Rose Williams is a local artist, born and raised in Cortland County, with strong family ties. Although she spent the last several years between New York and California, she is proud to call Cortland County home again. Fascinated by archaeology, history, fashion, and literature- these things, in turn, inspire her art. Since earning her BA in archaeology, Rose finds herself drawn to scientific illustration, embracing the challenge of small details. It's her appreciation of the natural world that has led us to select Rose Williams as our artist of the month.
Where do you take inspiration from?
What I draw inspiration from has sort of changed and shifted over time, more recently it's been Nature, trying to capture the complexity of natural objects. However, I also love Instagram for checking out other artists, and for seeing what's going on during fashion month.
Where do you create your art?
Usually, in my studio, I do live drawing outdoors when the weather is nice because I've been getting more into scientific illustration lately.
Who is your greatest influence?
I would definitely credit all of my past art teachers/professors, particularly my high school teachers. I ended up studying archaeology in college and didn't take many art classes- but my high school teachers taught me for years and pushed me to do my absolute best.
What is your favorite tool/material? What can you not live without in your creative space?
My basic favorites would be paper and pen because it's what I use the most, another favorite would be my Dremel, they're super helpful. I cannot live without storage containers; they hold back all the chaos.
What is your favorite color?
I'm really into gold and amethyst lately, I've been looking at vintage Glomesh pieces on Etsy, a lot.
What are your current/future projects?
Currently, I'm setting up my new studio, then I'm going to do some new pieces for the First Friday Artisan Market (Cortland Corset Building, May 6 at 4 pm). I kind of want to enter the Duck Stamp competition in the fall, but I don't like oil or acrylic painting very much. I'll probably enter anyway, looks good on a CV.
If your art was food, what would it be?
I asked my sister for ideas, she said "I don't know...I think of root vegetables, does that make sense? Cuz they're rough and dirty and real."
What is your favorite activity in Cortland County?
I love to hike, including in the winter, and it's actually an amazing time for outdoor/landscape photography.
What do you feel is Cortland County's best-kept secret?
Our forests, especially our nature centers, protected areas, etc. I don't know if that counts as a secret, but maybe lesser known?
Describe Cortland County in 3 words.
Antique, Verdant, Industrious.
Rose Williams' full portfolio can be found at Adventurers_Rest
Share your favorite Cortland County art with us for a chance to be featured!
Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.