Bill Horvath, a full-stack engineer supervisor at the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, finds it challenging to choose a favorite among his numerous artworks. The reason is that his favorite piece often becomes the one he has yet to create. As Horvath’s skills evolve, his work increases in sophistication and interest, providing a rewarding experience.
Art has played a significant role in Horvath’s life, beginning when his mother enrolled him in classes at the Toledo Museum of Art. Though he set aside his artistic pursuits during high school, he resumed pen and ink drawing over a decade ago. This medium allows for minimal setup and cleanup, accommodating his busy lifestyle.
Horvath’s impressive portfolio features works displayed in galleries and a 174-page coffee table book. His art, often “gravity agnostic,” allows viewers to rotate pieces for different perspectives. This concept enhances the viewing experience, offering new angles and interpretations.
Inspiration for Horvath’s black-and-white artwork frequently comes from current events. For example, a National Public Radio story on the opioid crisis in West Virginia led to his creations “Hands Across America” and “Giant Sucking Sound,” highlighting unemployment and its consequences. These pieces were featured in the “Falling Into Place” exhibit at Toledo’s 20 North Gallery.
Beyond pen and ink, Horvath also explores color in his artwork. Nature and his immediate surroundings inspire these pieces. “Flora and Fauna,” influenced by a flower photo, features vibrant, geometric shapes reminiscent of stained glass. This piece, displayed in the 2022 “Disclosed” exhibit, now resides in his office.
Horvath’s art is compiled in the book “A Brush with Art: Nature, Nonsense, and Noble Causes.” This coffee table-style book, created with Polina Lilu, shares his works with the intention of bringing joy. He also contributed to Lilu’s project “Pathways Through Adversity,” which features artist-submitted photographs alongside inspirational quotes.
Venturing into metal sculpture, Horvath has acquired essential tools like a welder, plasma cutter, and forge. He plans to create maquettes of mild steel, hoping to eventually craft larger sculptures in stainless steel to test their weather resilience.
However, drawing remains Horvath’s primary passion. His current favorite piece, “Just Ken,” is a 12-by-12-inch pen-and-glaze drawing featuring Ryan Gosling as Ken from the movie “Barbie.” Mounted in his unique style, the piece incorporates bright pink elements and reflective silver paint, allowing the artwork to transform with viewer interaction.
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