Author, Unknown

February 1988

William Tolliver held his premiere show for Artistic Investments Fine Art Galleries in December in its Phipps Plaza gallery in Atlanta. A total of 45 pieces ranging in styles from the Picasso-like “Triple Sax” to landscapes of the Southern Heartland to the intense jewel-like colors of “Fieldworkers” were displayed.

The evening was highlighted by the guest appearance of actress Barbara Eden. A collector of Tolliver’s works, Ms. Eden flew into Atlanta to attend the show.

Tolliver is a veritable master of all media. He has a photographic recall of events from his Mississippi childhood which provides subject matter for many of his works.

The 36-year-old Tolliver has had no formal art training. It was this more than anything else that made it difficult for Tolliver to promote his own work. “I couldn’t imagine someone wanting to buy a painting from an uneducated artist,” explained Tolliver. However, his reading and “self-education” has given him a tremendous knowledge of everything from art history to art techniques.

In the spring of 1983, Tolliver’s wife Debrah, aware of her husband’s talent, sought out a local art association. With two of Tolliver’s paintings, she mistakenly entered the Art Center for Southwest Louisiana. The museum curator instantly purchased one of the two paintings. She also was interested in purchasing a second, but wanted to meet Tolliver personally before doing so.

An average day for Tolliver is 18 hours long. Raised on physical labor, Tolliver never tires of painting. He explains that he long hours suit his basic nature.

Tolliver was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1951, one of 14 children. His interest in drawing came early. When his mother realized his talent was developing she encouraged him by introducing the young Tolliver to art books at the library.

Tolliver quit school in the ninth grade, seeking work to support his family. Although working he found time to illustrate for campus newspaper. It was during this time he met an instructor who was also a painter.

The instructor guided Tolliver in developing a technique. Tolliver couldn’t afford art supplies, so he purchased paint-by-number sets for the paint.

The self-taught Tolliver has achieved the phenomenal accomplishment of having had five museum shows and being permanent collections of two museums in just four and one half years of painting professionally.