 |
 |
  |
|
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Bill Freeland Gallery exhibitions are partially and generously
funded by a grant from the Philadelphia Foundation. I THOUGHT IN THE WORK, I The work is a result of a trip I took to the Aran Islands and the northwest coast of Ireland, in the fall of 1981. My encounter with the stark natural forces of the area's landscape and sea left a lasting and powerful impression that has influenced both image and materials. The work I do bears upon the basic rituals of living. More than an art theorem, it is a by product of living, a life query. The final result I wish not to be tied off, but to be open ended, creating an aura more than a static finality. To work in this way is to embrace intuition with reverence and awe. The larger proposal pieces suggested in this exhibition present additional concerns. To move out into the field as a sculptor, I feel it necessary to mesh materials and image with the landscape. I want these works to function on an ecological level as prefabricated ruins, preserves and sanctuaries for wildlife. Above all, the works must be statements of the visual, functional, and spiritual concerns I have at this time. Bill Freeland Checklist 1 Galway Rocker, 1982 2. West Northwest Wind, 1983 3. Red Hue's Friary, 1983 4. It's Jimmy and the 1st Bn. Irish Guards, 1984 5. Irish Jig, 1982 6. Love Bridge, 1984 7. A Tomb for Himself, 1984 8. Excavation, 1983 9. Off the Port the Cliffs of Moher, 1984 10. Hags Head Day Marker, 1984 11. Rock Cradle, 1984 12. Celtic Barrow, 1984 13. Irish Landscape, 1984 14. Souvenir, 1984 (edition of ten) 15. Red Hue's Friary, 1984 16. Celtic Barrow (first vision) 1984 17. Celtic Barrow (as architecture)1984 18. Celtic Barrow (final version) 1984 19. Cross Crypt, 1985 20. Fumes of Fancy, 1985 21. Sailing to Byzantium, 1985 22. Donegal Friary, 1984 (three parts framed) 23. Irish Pastoral VII, 1985
Biography His work has appeared in a variety of group exhibitions in the last twenty three years including: Color, Birmingham Art Museum (1962); Artists Tribute to John F. Kennedy, Swarthmore College (1964); Henri Gallery, Washington, DC (1974); Olympia Galleries, Ltd., Philadelphia/Atlanta (11977); Eric Makler Gallery, Philadelphia, PA (1978); Art on Paper, Weatherspoon Annual, Greensboro, NC (1979); From the Winston Malbin Collection, Vassar College, Princeton University, University of Michigan (1980); The Fine Art of Business, DeCordova Museum, Lincoln, MA (1981); Gallery Group, Max Hutchinson Gallery, New York (1982); WOO Sculpture, Tricentennial, Philadelphia Art Alliance (1982); Sculptural Ideas, Max Hutchinson Gallery, New York (1984); Wind and Water, Quebec 84, Quebec, Canada (1984); New Directions, Executive Mansion, Harrisburg, PA (1984). Solo exhibitions include: Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA (1956); Chester County Art Association, West Chester, PA (11957); Little Gallery, Princeton, NJ (1959 and 1961); Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA (1964); University of Delaware, Newark, DE (1967.); Immaculata College, Frazer, PA (1970); West Chester State, West Chester, PA (1972); Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE (1972); Touchstone Gallery, New York (1978 and 1980); Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA (1981). This past year Bill Freeland won the Purchase Prize at the University of Delaware, Newark, for the second time, having first received the honor in 1968. He was also awarded a Faculty Development Research Grant from Moore College of Art for work in Ireland and England in 1981. Other grants, awards, and purchases include: ITT Collection Purchase (1980); Hereward Lester Cooke Foundation Grant (1978); Montclair Museum Purchase, Montclair, NJ (1978); and several prizes and commissions from the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE. Selected Bibliography Catalogues Periodicals
The Morris Gallery displays the work of outstanding conemporary artists with a connection to Philadelphia, determined by birth,.school or residence. The exhibitions are chosen by a committee composed of area artists, museum personnel and collectors, and the curatorial staff of the Academy. Currently serving on the Morris Gallery Exhibition Committee are: Cynthia Carlson, Jennie W. Dietrich, Ofelia Garcia, Dr. HeIen Herrick, Harold Jacobs, Jay Richardson Massey, Charles Mather III, Cheryl McClenney, John Moore, Mark Rosenthal; Academy staff Judith Stein, Morris Gallery coordinator, Frank Goodyear, Jr., Linda Bantel, Betty Romanella; and, Academy students Ed Lewis and Anna Yates. Copyright, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1985.
|