“Abstract allows me to express everything on my mind without saying a word.” – Telfia Williams

When it comes to contemporary art, few stories resonate as deeply and inspire as profoundly as that of Telfia Williams, known affectionately as T. Wills. 

Born on the bustling streets of Staten Island, NYC, in the New Brighton neighborhood, Telfia embarked on a journey that would lead him from the concrete jungles of New York to the serene landscapes of Dora, Alabama. As the 3rd child among five siblings, his early life was filled with the interactions and experiences that would later fuel his artistic endeavors.

Telfia’s life took a dramatic turn in December 2003 when he moved to Alabama, a decision that marked the beginning of a new chapter. The birth of his daughter Amirah in December 2008 was a beacon of joy, but tragedy struck just a year later. A devastating car accident in 2009 left Telfia paralyzed from the chest down, catapulting him into a relentless battle with depression. In the face of such adversity, Telfia’s indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve shone brightly. 

His search for an outlet to express the turmoil and beauty of his inner world led him back to his first love: art.

Drawing had always been a passion for Telfia, but it was the discovery of a piece by his favorite artist, Ty Nathan Clark, that ignited a profound transformation. The painting, entitled “I am a Mess, but I am OK. Thanks,” resonated with Telfia on a deeply emotional level, mirroring his own journey of resilience and acceptance. This moment of connection was a catalyst, propelling him to pursue his artistic vision with renewed purpose and intensity.

Telfia’s abstract art is a vibrant exploration of color, emotion, and narrative, drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources. Music, film, and the works of other artists serve as muses, weaving their influence into his creations. A chance encounter at work, where a conversation about art revealed a connection to the art community in Jasper, AL, opened new avenues for Telfia to share his work with a broader audience.

Telfia Williams’ story and art serve as inspiration of hope, resilience, and unbridled creativity, inviting us to find beauty in our struggles and to express ourselves in the most authentic way possible.

THE CONVERSATION

LISORO: Telfia, your journey is incredibly inspiring. Can you share how your experiences have shaped your approach to art?

T.WILLS: Thank you, and it’s been one hell of a journey. It’s been rough, but I’m still here and still on it. I thank God for that. All of my experiences in life come into the studio with me when I’m creating—the good, the bad, the ugly, all of it. Some days I want to paint, and then some days I’m in a funk, physically or mentally.

In 2016, my older sister Marisha introduced me to Afro House music, and we took a road trip to see our dad from Alabama to North Carolina. We listened to House and Afro House the whole way there and back, and I’ve been hooked ever since. That’s where a lot of my inspiration comes from.

When I go back and look at my older work, I see darkness, and at that time, I was in a dark place, you know. When I’m in the studio creating, I always have music on, but it’s the music in my head that allows me to create. Our thoughts are louder than any music we’ll ever hear.

My mother and father, my daughter, my siblings, my friends that became family—Jred, Alexandra, Kaly. Things from my childhood that made me laugh or cry. Staring out the window on the eighth floor in my grandmother’s apartment at 6 years old.

Those are just a few things that I bring into the studio with me, and it shows. Not all of my work is good. Some pieces may be stronger than others. I still have room to learn and grow. That’s just like my life; I’ve experienced the good and the bad. I’m still here, and I still have room to grow.

LISORO: Abstract art is a powerful medium. What does it allow you to express that other forms might not?

T.WILLS: Man, I love this question. As children, we’re given crayons and a coloring book or a piece of paper and told to stay inside the lines. I hated that. I wanted to color outside the lines. I wanted to draw an orange face on the worksheet in school.

I wanted to draw a red sun, you see what I’m saying? Abstract allows me to do that. I love all types of art—figurative art, portrait art, sculpture art; it’s all amazing. I can’t create a piece that the next artist can, just like they can’t create what I create. It may be similar but never exact.

I have a piece I did on paper titled “My 5-year-old can do that.” I created it from raw expression using crayons, colored pencils, oil pastel, and cheap markers you get from the dollar store. Abstract allows me to be free. I can’t do that if I’m painting a landscape or a house or a person. There is no wrong or right when it comes to abstract. Abstract allows me to express everything on my mind without saying a word.

LISORO: How has the piece by Ty Nathan Clark, “I am a Mess, but I am OK. Thanks,” influenced your artistic vision?

T.WILLS: That’s my favorite piece ever. When I first saw it, I got a little emotional. I was scrolling through artwork on IG (Instagram) and boom, there it was, “I am okay” staring back at me. When someone asks me how I’m doing, that’s usually my response, or “I’m alright,” but I’m not.

Some days I’m going through it, and at the end of the day, everyone is facing something. That piece gave me the courage to try different techniques and use different tools to make little marks that are barely noticeable until you see them up close. It influenced me to have fun when I go into the studio and not be afraid to experiment.

LISORO: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists facing their own battles?

T. WILLS: Be yourself and be your biggest fan. Don’t let other people’s opinions define you or your art. Don’t be scared to ask questions about art or a technique. You don’t know everything, and that’s alright. Keep making art if you like it—that’s what matters. Create your art for you. Have patience. Be good to yourself!

LISORO: Where can people find your work and how can one acquire a piece?

T.WILLS: You can find my work on Instagram; that’s the only social media platform I use for my art @theartsofmythoughts.