Artist Profile

Rooted in the sciences

My work explores three-dimensional interactions of geometric and linear elements using a mixed-media palette of ball bearings, wire, metals, onyx, paper, watercolor and other unique hardware elements.  These elements are my “paints”.  Like a painter, I use these elements to establish color, texture, composition, flow, interaction and impression.

My academic and vocational background is deeply rooted in the sciences, particularly biology, aspects of which creep into my work to varying degrees.  I have always had a great appreciation for compositions with strong geometric influences. My work results from this appreciation and the escape of my dominant analytical side into my expressive side.

Science based
William N. Bennett

Interesting patterns

Although applying my name to a piece implies a given orientation, I welcome reorientation by the viewer. The eyes and mind follow distinctly different paths when pieces are rotated through 360 degrees.

My main goal is to arrange these geometric elements into visually interesting patterns which draw in the viewer, allowing a closer examination and greater appreciation of the interplay of the details. Perceiving patterns in the midst of complexity is where the beauty lies.

 

Training/Experience

As an undergraduate at the University of Miami, I took a drawing and composition course to tone my ability to draw biological samples as seen through a microscope.  From then to now, my training has been “self-taught”.

Gallery Exhibits

Group Exhibits:

  • Franklin Woods Gallery, Baileys Harbor, WI – 2003-2004
  • Mumbo Yoyo Gallery, Sturgeon Bay, WI – 2003
  • Gallery Night, Milwaukee, WI – 2004-2006, 2008
  • Open Canvas, Milwaukee, WI – 2004-2014
  • Almont Gallery, Waukesha, WI – 2005, 2022-2025
  • Kunzelmann-Esser Gallery, Milwaukee, WI – 2006-2007
  • Griffin Gallery of Fine Art, Oconomowoc, WI – 2007
  • Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, WI – 2008-2010, 2021-2024
  • UW Hospital Exhibit, Madison, WI – 2009
  • Gallery 110 North, Plymouth, WI – 2018
  • Sigma Xi Art and Film Festival, Madison, WI – 2019

Featured Artist Exhibits:

  • Red Rock Café, Shorewood, WI – 2004-2006
  • Schauer Arts Center, Hartford, WI – 2006
  • Raven Gallery, Pewaukee, WI – 2009-2010
  • Inspiration Studios, West Allis, WI – 2018
  • Gallery 2622, Wauwatosa, WI - 2022

Art Shows

  • Art Fair Off the Square, Madison, WI – 2007-2017
  • Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2007-2015
  • Art Fair On the Square, Lake Forest, IL – 2007-2008
  • Morning Glory Fine Craft Fair, Milwaukee, WI 2017
  • Lake Front Festival of Art, Milwaukee, WI – 2018
  • Art in the Park, Lake Geneva, WI – 2020
  • Morning Glory Art Fair, Milwaukee, WI - 2022, 2023

Corporate Clients

  • NW Mutual Insurance – Franklin, WI 
  • Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Green Bay, WI 

Awards

  • Best in Category – Art Fair Off the Square, Madison, WI –2007
  • Best in Category – Art Fair On the Square, Lake Forest, IL-2007
  • Best in Category – Art Fair Off the Square, Madison, WI –2008
  • Best in Show – Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2008
  • Best in Category – Art Fair Off the Square, Madison, WI –2009
  • Merit Award – Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2009
  • Award of Excellence – Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2010
  • Purchase Award – Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2010
  • Award of Excellence – Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2013
  • Award of Excellence – Art Street, Green Bay, WI – 2015
  • Best in Category – Art Fair Off the Square, Madison, WI –2015
  • Merit Award – Morning Glory Fine Craft Fair, Milwaukee, WI – 2017
  • Best in Show -  Art in the Park, Lake Geneva, WI – 2020