ron gianola <rgianola@coslink.net> wrote:

Eden indeed...I was unbelievably fortunate to have studied life drawing with Bill in 1969 and painting and drawing off and on through 1989, all at ASDS of Arts and Crafts and CCS.  He as well as Anthony Williams and Russell Keeter opened my eyes to art and my own artistic potential. He was one of the most influential and knowledgeable instructors, embodying the Arts and Crafts ideals; timeless classic techniques based on knowledge, in the service of a mythic vocation based on matters of transformation and vision. With a personality serious but humorous, adept at seeing and feeling, grounded in integrity and honesty. Truly an artist demonstrating fully "Follow Your Heart".

 

I was there for quite a bit of the foolish sad folly that ensued over the years regarding Bill and other instructors from the Arts and Crafts era and their natural fall outside the academic corporatizing of the school, following the larger society rather than leading.  Certainly it was all to the detriment of the students and the school to this day.

 

 A lasting bit of Bill Girard advice I still take when my own painting becomes problematic or students have too many questions..."just paint".  Many thanks, Bill. 

 

Ron Gianola
1243 Smith Rd.
Beulah, MI 49617

 

I'm an old friend of Bill's from CCS days ( I was there 1995-1996 when I was 21). I never had Bill as a prof. but somehow we met and became instantly connected- we'd pass one another in the hallway

and end up discussing everything from silent cinema to Etruscan funerary urns.

I LOVE BILL!

In fact we had a great chat this morning and I am so pleased to announce that his Gulliver will soon be a part of my collection.

Although I'm working in banking (and have for the last 6 yrs) I am making a move back to academia- pursuing an MA in religion/art at Berkeley in 2007. I'd enjoy writing an article on Bill for your website- he is really such a knowledgeable and lovely human being- and so full of the desire to see craft, myth and feeling perpetuated in traditional materials.

The site is GREAT! I hope you can get a definitive catalogue online as well.

I'd love to be of service at some point in getting more info about Bill out to the public.

 

warmly

Jason Lahman

 Dear Glen...

  We have never met, but I feel as if I know you because of all the complimentary things Bill has said about you, over the years..This, of course can be born out by perusing your wonderful website, and the great care you have given in tribute to Girard's marvelous work and talent..   I first met Bill when we were students together at the Society of Art and Crafts in Detroit in 1960..We married in 1962 and had 2 children..Christopher and Inga..We were divorced in 1970 and have remained dear friends for over 40 years now..In fact, we just recently had a lovely conversation this past New years day..   The reason for my writing you is merely to offer my sincere appreciation for your wonderful website presenting the artwork of a modern day Renaissance man in the truest sense of the word..There is no praise high enough for the hard work and dedication, William J. Girard has offered the world of art...His personal nature may be humble..but his body of work is certainly not..

 Sincerest best wishes,
 Bonnie Girard-Silver