Shelter Island Reporter

Island artist Bill Clark stands with two of his oil paintings. The painting on the left is of a creek in Mashomack, set off the path and not very easy to find, but beautiful all the same. On the right, Mr. Clark has depicted the South Ferry boat Sunrise.

Shelter Island is home to more than 40 painters, sculptors and photographers, according to a recent informal and by no means comprehensive tally by the Reporter staff. Some names will be well known to Islanders, others less so, but we thought it would be interesting to introduce them all to Reporter readers. This week we bring you Bill Clark, a member of the South Ferry Clark family.

Can the public view your work at any particular location?

I try to keep a few in the South Ferry office.


Do you specialize in one specific type of art? What is your preferred medium?

I paint in oils.


Where is the most interesting place you've seen your art displayed? Where would you most like to see it?

My work has been in the Wish Rock Studio and Mosquito Hawk Gallery. In the future I would like to be in The Grenning Gallery.


What inspires your art? Why be an artist on Shelter Island?

I'm inspired by the beauty of nature, which is why I love painting Shelter Island scenes. It's a very special place.


What is your biggest challenge as an artist?

Creating depth and getting contrasts right.


What is your greatest joy as an artist?

When a painting comes out right and people enjoy it.


Who is your favorite artist?

Leonardo Da Vinci.