We recently connected with William Bossen and have shared our conversation below.
William, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
In the depths of my family’s generational traumas, where shadows of loss, poverty, and abuse loomed large, I found my sanctuary in the realm of art. Within it, I discovered a voice that transcended the limitations of words, a voice that spoke volumes of emotions, dreams, and reasons for life. Art became my lifeline, a beacon of hope in a sea of darkness, offering me solace and strength when the world seemed to crumble around me.
As I delved deeper into the world of art, I found myself drawn to new tools, crafts, and technologies, each offering me a fresh avenue of expression. I embraced every opportunity to expand my creative horizons, pushing the boundaries of my imagination with each new medium. With every new skill mastered, I discovered a newfound resilience within myself, a resilience born from the courage to explore the unknown and the determination to overcome any obstacle in my path.
But perhaps, above all else, my resilience stems from the unwavering belief that art has the power to transform pain into beauty, adversity into triumph. Through the act of creation, I found healing, redemption, and a sense of purpose that transcended the confines of my own suffering. And so, as I continue on my artistic journey, I carry with me the lessons of resilience learned through years of practice, knowing that no matter what challenges may lie ahead, art will always be my guiding light, my source of strength, and my greatest ally in the face of adversity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an artist driven by a profound desire to explore the depths of human emotion and experience through various creative mediums. From photography to mixed media installations, my work serves as a canvas for introspection, storytelling, and connection. Each piece is an invitation to delve into the complexities of life, offering viewers a chance to contemplate the beauty, struggles, and triumphs that define our existence. Through my art, I seek to evoke empathy, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful conversations about the world we inhabit. From experimenting with new mediums and techniques to engaging with emerging digital platforms, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of my practice and embracing the unknown.
My artistic practice is an unwavering commitment to authenticity and vulnerability for me. I believe that true artistry lies in the ability to embrace one’s own truth and share it with others. Whether I’m capturing fleeting moments of beauty in a photograph or delving into the intricacies of the human psyche in a multimedia installation, I strive to create work that resonates on a deeply personal level. By embracing vulnerability and exploring the raw, unfiltered aspects of the human experience, I aim to foster genuine connections with my audience and ignite a sense of shared humanity.
In my current professional role, I focus on assisting like-minded companies in refining their public representation and brand identity. Through my expertise in visual storytelling, content creation, and strategic brand positioning, I collaborate with organizations to develop compelling narratives and engaging visuals that resonate with their target audience. My approach prioritizes authenticity, creativity, and innovation, aiming to drive meaningful impact for the brands I work with by ensuring that their message is communicated effectively and resonates with their audience.
As technology continues to evolve and society grapples with new challenges, I see endless opportunities for art to make a positive impact on society. Looking ahead, I am energized by the prospect of further growth and collaboration in both the artistic and commercial realms. To connect on this journey with like-minded individuals and organizations who share my passion for using art as a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can harness the transformative power of creativity to build a more inclusive, empathetic, and resilient world for all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1) Cultivating and indulging curiosity:
Drawing from my own journey, I’ve found that curiosity is not just a fleeting interest but a profound drive to explore and understand the world around me. From my early days of wandering through unfamiliar streets with a camera in hand to my more recent ventures into experimental art forms, curiosity has been my constant companion. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and view every experience as an opportunity for growth. By immersing myself in diverse cultures, trying new techniques, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity, I’ve cultivated a rich tapestry of inspiration that continues to fuel my artistic pursuits.
2) Attentive and active listening:
As an artist, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of listening with all my senses – not just my ears. Whether I’m collaborating with fellow creatives, engaging with clients, or simply conversing with friends, I strive to be fully present in the moment. I pay attention not only to the words being spoken but also to the subtle nuances of body language, facial expressions, and emotional cues. This attentive listening allows me to connect more deeply with others, fostering genuine rapport and understanding. By making my audience feel truly heard and valued, I create meaningful interactions that resonate long after the conversation ends.
3) Generosity of time, space, and spirit:
My journey as an artist has taught me the power of generosity in all its forms – from offering my time and expertise to supporting others on their creative path. I’ve found that true fulfillment comes not from hoarding knowledge or resources but from sharing them freely with those around me. Whether it’s mentoring aspiring artists, collaborating on community projects, or simply lending a listening ear to a friend in need, I strive to embody generosity in every aspect of my life. By creating an environment of abundance and goodwill, I invite others to join me in a shared journey of creativity, growth, and mutual support.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Mentors have illuminated the path forward for me during moments of uncertainty and doubt. Among the few, Darrell Peterson stands out as a profound source of inspiration, professional guidance, and life wisdom. His commercial photography studio in Seattle became a nurturing environment where I not only learned the technical aspects of photography but also delved into the deeper realms of visual storytelling and self-expression.
Under Darrell’s guidance, I discovered the transformative power of photography as a medium for exploring emotions, narratives, and perspectives. Beyond the technicalities of composition and lighting, he instilled in me a profound appreciation for the storytelling potential inherent in every image captured through the lens. Through his example, I learned the importance of authenticity and sincerity in artistic expression and my personal life. Understanding that true creativity stems from the depths of one’s soul.
As I reflect on the pivotal moments in my artistic journey, I am reminded of the invaluable role mentors like Darrell have played in shaping my creative vision and professional trajectory. Their guidance and encouragement have not only helped me overcome challenges but have also instilled within me a deep sense of purpose and passion for my craft. Today, I carry with me the lessons and insights imparted by the mentors I have been blessed enough to have found and am grateful for their unwavering support and belief in my potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brooksbossenstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williambossen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambossen/
Image Credits
All images are Mine
