William Schaaf’s art has always been about connection — to nature, to his own inner world, and to the cultural traditions that inspire him. Now 80 years old, Schaaf has spent six decades exploring the equine form through painting and sculpture. Horses are more than subjects to him; they are spiritual vessels, symbols of a healing journey that has unfolded across a lifetime. His fascination with equine forms stems from a deep reverence for the Zuni and Navajo fetish and doll makers, whose influence continues to guide his creative process. Schaaf describes his art as a way to “fix himself up,” using creation as a method of healing and self-discovery. Through his work, he seeks to uncover the spirit of one’s nature, a belief rooted in early influences and nurtured over decades. Art, for Schaaf, remains a lifelong meditation — a process of understanding and growth.
Here is the artist’s interview.
What is your creative process like?
An example of what it’s like is exampled by an event regarding a meltdown while working on the ‘Dolphin’ and later an integration of the clay Relic.. something like that. You are going to have a lot of wiggle room on this one. I allow for whatever comes up to find a place to shine on the dance floor. In clay, everything is a test tile. The words came for that writing in a satisfying manner.
2. Effect of Personal Experiences shaping/influencing my work. How far back should I go.. as far as I can remember.. a toughie. Transient motion of moving about all my life. Impermanence realities..
3. Challenges facing artists..ooooeeee. Being too quick for an even quicker out there, velocity.. It forces one to go slow. Money and the meaning. and scarcity of it at times.
4. What would I like viewers to get/feel/come away with on experiencing my art? That’s a good one. If I make something beautiful, then I am (feeling) beautiful. If the viewer can have that as well, well hoop de lioo.. happiness came home..
Do any personal experiences shape your work?
I grew up in the military. My father was a high ranking officer, one of the liberators of Dachau, in WW 2. At too early an age I saw pics of the concentration camps, the ovens, the piles of bodies. At 80, I’m still wondering how this shaped my life and my work. Maybe a reverence for Life? Or, how could this happen? We moved around a lot. I’m still a nomad. I do remember his sending toy metal cars the size of a sandwich made out of tin cans from Germany. They had a substantial feel and heft, which felt solid and comfortable to me. I think I try to emulate that feel in my equine clay, stone, bronze sculptures.. a feel of depth and quality.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
Rare is the person who has the heart of the artist. Art Appreciation is an educational issue at best. I see art, the Creative Process as a zen practice or a spiritual journey, a place where exotic languages are spoken and problems are revealed, sometimes solved. That path is often a lonely road, which can be a challenge. Lack of understanding about monies as compensation for a desired and valued artwork exchange can be a challenge. Just getting up and facing the Unknown on a daily basis can be a challenge. Literally, you gotta love it.
What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
Short answer: To see and feel what I feel and experience from it.. I hope the viewer can experience the intention and energy even in-between the spaces of things. Nature is my source. I sometimes tell my students that I am addicted to Beauty, a neglected concept for many these days. If I can make something akin to beautiful or allude to the mystery of the process, and that energy is seen, felt, shared via a work of art, then I am certainly satisfied for that connection, as it becomes a gift of sharing.
William Schaaf’s art speaks to a quest for beauty, spirituality, and self-discovery. His connection to the natural world and his devotion to the creative process have allowed him to craft works that resonate on a profound level. As he continues his journey, Schaaf’s art remains a gift of sharing — a testament to the power of creativity as a healing force.
