William Reinsch combines raw emotion and vivid imagination to create compelling, thought-provoking art. This interview explores the pivotal moments that shaped the journey, the balance between creative freedom and disciplined practice, and the challenges of navigating artistic expression in a modern context. Insights into personal techniques, philosophies, and upcoming projects provide a deeper understanding of Reinsch’s unique perspective and evolving body of work.

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Can you recall a pivotal moment or experience in your early life that ignited your passion for art?

Yes, when I was 19 years old, I had a therapist tell me that it might help to draw out the issues I was having trouble expressing with words. This set something off inside me and I quickly started painting with the same purpose of expressing this impossible thing.

Discuss the balance between innate creativity and the skills honed through education and practice.

Like with everything I think there should be a balance. As much as I initially detested the idea of attending art school, I think some of my biggest and most important changes happened as a result. You want to be free and follow your own unique path but at the same time you could be clouded by your own stubbornness and actually be going backwards when honing your skills completely alone. 

Delve into the concept of destiny vs. choice in finding one's passion in art. Do you believe that your passion for art was predestined, or was it a choice you consciously made? Can you share experiences that led you to this belief?

I think everything is predestined but it’s good to act like it isn’t. I don’t think you have any control in the big scheme of things but you shouldn’t use that as an excuse for things. You can always improve your life and change your circumstances. When I look at everything that led me to be where I am it does look like a series of unlikely coincidences. It’s only because of forces out of my control that I stayed in my room for years painting, it doesn’t feel like a choice when I look back at all.

Discuss your methods for entering a creative state of mind. What specific techniques or practices do you use to get into the right mindset for creating art? Do you have any rituals, routines, or a particular environment that helps stimulate your creativity?

I make a lot of Spotify playlists and tend to make specific ones for each painting I create. I listen to this playlist on a loop and eventually when I know the playlist well it helps me slip into a flow state where the best painting happens.

Discuss the importance of messaging in your art and the audience’s understanding of it. How crucial is it for your audience to grasp the message behind your artwork? Do you create with a specific message in mind, and how do you gauge its reception?

I want to drive home the idea that these paintings are all part of a shared world and should be looked at as a whole. Apart from that I don’t have any message, I just want to get across a feeling and a mood. I’m not very interested in art that has to explain itself, I want the art to speak for itself and leave me mystified if it has to.

What are your views on the 'mad artist' stereotype and its relation to creativity and artistic success?

I think you have to be a bit mad to make exciting or challenging art. I think at least from what I’ve seen it’s the oddball artists that made the biggest impact. 

Offer five pieces of advice to artists who are experiencing discouragement o creative blocks.

✧ Get away from painting altogether and don’t think about it until the passion comes back

✧ Try something else creative as it might feed back into painting

✧ Don’t overthink the fact you have a creative block because you can make it worse

✧ Look at your favourite artists or artworks to inspire you. I tend to go to a gallery and look at my favourite pieces when I get a block

✧ Accepting that you have a block can help you get over it.

What are some upcoming projects or plans you are excited about?

I’m working on a new body of work in the ‘Naked Island’ series that I aim to have finished in June 2025. This will be shown at City and Guilds of London Art School as part of my final year show and I’m hoping to lock down a gallery soon with the right space around that time to show these works together as originally intended.

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William Reinsch’s art challenges conventions and evokes powerful emotions through mood-driven, interconnected works. The “Naked Island” series represents the culmination of years of growth and experimentation, set to debut in June 2025. This work promises to push boundaries and redefine creative possibilities. A bold voice in contemporary art, Reinsch’s journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth.