William Faleer

This show is actually a result of the recent downturn in the economy. For a number of years I made my living as a freelance technical Illustrator for Lionel Trains in Michigan. About a year and a half ago the number of projects they sent me started to drop off, eventually drying up altogether. It seemed a good time to re-evaluate my life and perhaps try something new.

Many years before, I had attended art school and for a brief time afterward, lived the artist's life. Like most people, I eventually got a real job and became a responsible grown-up. I would occasionally do a painting or drawing, but for me I either have to do it all the time or not at all. For some people art is an enjoyable hobby, unfortunately for me it is time consuming, messy hard work with very little reward. But I still love it. Go figure.

This seemed like a good opportunity to spend some quality time working on some painting and drawing projects. The challenge has been to stay focused and creative which is difficult when one has an undisciplined mind like mine. For every one step forward on one painting, I seem to take two steps back on another painting. This can get frustrating at times. All you can do is try to work through it.

This show has forced me to start and finish a number of paintings and drawings that might otherwise have been set aside. There's nothing like a deadline to focus one's mind. I hope to do more projects in the future but I will just have to take it a day at a time. I am grateful to St. Charles Library and it's wonderful gallery for giving me this opportunity.

The Artist of the Month is on exhibit for the entire month at the St. Charles Public Library on the Mezzanine level. For further information: please contact Pam Salomone, 630-584-0076, ext. 246.