Who Was William Underhill? Our Chance Encounter with a Renowned Sculptor
William Underhill (1933-2022) was a sculptor, celebrated craftsman, and emeritus professor at Alfred University, in Upstate New York.
Born in California, William Underhill spent his early days on the west coast, receiving his Masters in Fine Art from the University of California in Berkeley. During his time there, he studied under legendary ceramic artist Peter Voulkos, became close friends with Stephen De Staebler, worked with Buckminster Fuller, and studied with Charles Eames.
William (Bill) Underhill, pictured at a critique night hosted by the Wellsville Creative Arts center in 2012.
For nearly 30 years Underhill taught sculpture, as part of the Division of Sculpture and Dimensional Studies at Alfred University. Making a name for himself exhibiting work at countless galleries, and creating and casting the King Alfred Statue at the center of the Alfred University Campus.
A Chance Encounter, an Impactful Impression
During a critique night, in the Fall of 2012, Danielle and I ran into (Bill) Underhill at a critique night hosted by the Wellsville Creative Arts Center. Having retired from Alfred, and living in the area, Bill worked at the art center, sharing his love for sculpture with members there.
At the time Bill was working on a large clay sculpture of a buddha head. Influenced by symmetry, his sculpture became a talking point for all, and a moment of reflection and inspiration. Below is a short video of Bill, taken during our visit (sorry for the poor quality, 2012 phones, right?), where he shared with us his latest sculpture.
Sculptor, William Underhill talking about a sculpture he created, the importance of symmetry, and creating work without hesitation. Video taken during a critique night at the Wellsville Create Arts Center in 2012.
Historical References, and the Impact of Culture on an Artists Work
Underhill’s work ranged from traditional container vessels, filled with texture and pattern, to geometric sculptures. His views on art, and sculpture were influenced by cultural influences of the 50’s and 60’s and love for ritual vessels of the bronze age. Stating on his website “Like the Chinese bronzes, my pots are small monuments related to an architecture of the spirit.”
Cast from bronze, and sculpted from clay, Bill drew from experiences creating work with spirit, movement, and a central core. Poetry, the mind, and the impact of our everyday experiences were influential to how Bill developed his own work, and it became a lens for how Bill saw the work of others, and the spirit within each form they created.
In the grand scheme, our meeting with Bill was brief, but his critique, and reflection on his own work provided inspiration for us that we still draw from to this day.
Where to Find His Work Now
Bill’s work can be found in museums, such as the Smithsonian, art Communities like the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, and private collections internationally. Shortly after his passing, in February of this year (2022), a collection of his work was put on display, at the Alfred Ceramics Museum, entitled William Underhill: Casting a Legacy. The exhibit will run through the end of 2022.
Are you a member of our pottery club?
Join us this November as we travel to the Alfred Ceramics Museum, and see the William Underhill: Casting a Legacy Exhibit. Located on the Alfred University Campus, the ceramics museum and its many exhibits are just another reason why Alfred University is internationally known for its ceramic arts program, professors, and alumni.
Article Sources:
Photo and Video Credit: Brynn Capwell
https://ceramicsmuseum.alfred.edu/
https://billunderhill.com/artiststatement.html
https://billunderhill.com/Curriculum%20Vitae.pdf
https://wellsvillesun.com/blog/2022/02/19/william-underhill-renowned-sculptor-emeritus-professor-at-alfred-university-passes-away/
