Self-Portrait, 2002

"When I look at a finished piece, I still can't believe that I could have possibly made it."

Contact Bill: bill@billholmessculpture.com
Bill Holmes is a sculptor who lives and works in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one of the most beautiful and inspirational settings imaginable for an artist. Located at nearly 7,000 feet in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Steamboat is a center for the arts.

A sculptor only since 2002, Bill first exhibited his work in 2006, and in 2007 and 2008 won the Best of Show Award in his first two shows. In 2008 he applied and was accepted into two prestigious regional shows on his first try. Comments from other artists and sculptors have included “you have a gift”, “your work is magnificent” and “you are already better than 90% of the sculptors doing public art in this country”.

Educated as an engineer, he has spent more than 40 years as a entrepreneur and innovator in the field of energy engineering, a college professor and military officer. He has also worked as a caregiver for individuals with special needs. In 2002 he took a four night portrait sculpture class at the Old Lyme Arts Academy in Connecticut. Having never done art of any kind, something drew him to sculpture. Other than that class, he is self-taught.

After his first attempt he knew he had found something special. He loved everything about the process and the excitement and satisfaction he got from watching a person emerge from a block of clay was like nothing ever experienced before. It quickly became apparent that he had talent. His portraits show not only an accurate physical appearance but the character and emotion of his subjects. What started out to be a hobby has turned into a passion and another career.