The artist's paintings evoke the hot lazy days of summer, the carefree innocence of childhood and the simple beauties found in nature.
Linnea Heinrichs: When did you first realize you were an artist and how did you begin?
Bill Hibberd: In about grade two I was obsessed with drawing icebergs. The idea of creating an illusion of three dimensions on a flat sheet of paper fascinated me. My aunt gave me a book on how to draw around the same time, which I'm sure had an impact as I can still remember the exercises today.
LH: What inspires you to paint a particular subject?
BH: Many different inspirations. Landscapes come at me from all directions and at all times. Inspiration is overrated for creating art. Embracing a process and practicing discipline provides the groundwork for art. It's when I'm three hours into a painting trying to see my subject without the clutter of distraction; it's then that the muse tends to drop in and direct my art. I've often been inspired by an idea or subject then set about composing and executing a painting yet most of my good work happens to me when I'm well into the process.
LH: How do you stay motivated to paint?
BH: Push myself into the studio and squeeze out some paint. I love plein air painting – the logistics of getting out into the bush or to the edge of a lake with all your necesary equipment. You have to love the process, that's the framework that all the rest hangs on.
LH: Where is your art shown?
BH: On my website Bill Hibberd Fine Art and in the viewing gallery at my Summerland studio. For the month of June 2009 a selection of my paintings will be on display at Red Rooster Winery in Penticton and in July and August 2009 another exhibition will take place at Summerland Art Gallery.
LH: Have you won any awards or had your work honred in some way?
BH: My painting Inclusion visually describes one of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and was chosen for Amnesty International's UDHR Art Exhibition and Auction Project. Auctioned at a Gala evening at the Canvas Lounge in Gastown, Vancouver, the proceeds from the sale of 'Inclusion' were donated to Amnesty International's good work. In 2008 my painting 'Sunoka' won the Therapy Vineyards New Artist Series wine label competition. In 2007 selected paintings were included in the Fifth Annual Hooded Merganser Christmas Dreamhouse Tour.
LH: How do you handle the business side of being an artist?
BH: I send out news releases of any upcoming shows or events, pursue art competitions and exhibition spaces and opportunities. I also create art cards and plan to teach an art workshop this fall.
LH: What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?
BH: Do the time. Good work comes from hundreds (some say thousands) of hours of experimentation and practice. Find a process that you love; that will help you stay the course..
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