Interviewsand Articles
Portfolio: William Fuller III: Richard Whittaker
by Richard Whittaker, Dec 1, 2007
The work of William Fuller III came to my attention by chance, as seems to happen with so many good things. My wife and I were passing through Trona, California, when she spotted a hand-painted sign and said, "I think there's some art over there."
I’ve learned not to expect much in my travels whenever I run across an art moment, whether it’s at a gallery or private studio. At the same time, I’m always ready to be surprised. And coming across Fuller’s work in Trona did surprise me—no disrespect meant to Trona. The place is a hidden, offbeat work of art in itself. It would be a perfect compliment for Antonioni's movie Red Desert.
Several idiosyncratic sculptures sat scattered around outside a little stucco house on the light-colored desert earth for all to see. My wife and I parked our car and walked over to take a look. Very quickly I went back to the car and pulled out my camera. This was interesting stuff. We took our time looking at one piece and the next - and all was quiet. I'd expected someone to come out of the house at any moment, but no one appeared.
Finally, I went up and knocked. Mr. Fuller appeared and I introduced myself. He was happy to talk. He came out and joined us. Did he mind my taking a few pictures? Not at all. I told him I might want to publish them. That would be okay, too. --rw
About the Author
Richard Whittaker is the founding editor of works & conversations magazine and West Coast editor of Parabola magazine.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
A Man Impossible to Classify photo: r. whittaker One of my first experiences in San Francisco ... Read More 752467 views
The Dumpster “We can’t use these. They look like ... Read More 164934 views
Say Grace I am deeply delighted to live on a planet that is so big and varied that I can ... Read More 14900 views
Cotton and Silk Vorbeck quilt, detail I’m working on the last panel of a pair of ... Read More 16111 views
A Conversation with Jim Brooks I'd come to Elko to take in their annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering. ... Read More 45597 views
READ MORE >>
A Man Impossible to Classify photo: r. whittaker One of my first experiences in San Francisco ... Read More 752467 views
Interview with Bill Douglass - Jimbo's Bop City and Other Tales At the time I'd first gotten to know the widely respected ... Read More 373322 views
Greeting the Light It was thanks to artist Walter Gabrielson that I was able to get ... Read More 341035 views
Interview: Gail Needleman Gail Needleman taught music at Holy Names University in Oakland, ... Read More 198823 views
The Dumpster “We can’t use these. They look like ... Read More 164934 views
READ MORE >>
FOLLOW US
Share Your Comments and Reflections on this Conversation:
On Feb 25, 2024 Rocky wrote:
I knew the Fuller family very well. My dad and Willie’s (Bill’s) dad were best friends. Our family was at the Colorado River with the Fuller’s when the tragic accident happened on 7-5-74. We lost touch with Willie and we often wondered what happened to him.On Oct 2, 2023 Billy wrote:
Rick O'Brien Bill Has Passed. He has a daughter who is in need. He mom Donna lives in the athol apartments #6. If any donations want to be made. Unfortunately I have been cleaning up bills art cuz someone bull dozed it and left it all broken up. Few pieces survived which I'll keep once property is finish. But I'm one guy and it's a lot. 1st house on left on Marshall Street in pioneer point (trona, ca) so if anyone every drives by. If you see something you like. Please just say and it's yours. His daughter Cassy now stays but house is falling apart. Rough days for sure. But Prayers are needed. So long for nowOn Apr 10, 2023 Rick O'Brien wrote:
Am I to understand that Bill Fuller the 3rd is no longer with us ?I've searched the obit's , Facebook , Google , to no avail . If anyone knows for sure , please let me know ,via here .On Oct 10, 2017 Brian Ray Royer wrote:
Oddly I was describing to my wife a small little town I once lived briefly with my father called Trona. I remember Bill very well having worked together at the family's supermarket. I'm glad you found yourself Bill, very gladOn Mar 24, 2016 Rick O'Brien wrote:
I knew "Willy" Fuller when he was our good friend and neighbor in Huntington Beach Ca.back in the 60's. Haven't seen him in 20 years, and I was doing a facebook search for him and found this instead. I wish I would have found this last week, cause I drove right thru Trona on my way to Death Valley on St.Patricks Day. Next time I'm driving thru, I'll be sure to track down his address. It looks like I won't have to look very hard. Rick O'BrienOn Apr 7, 2014 Nancy Bast wrote:
Chanced to see a most wonderful yard of folk art while passing thru TRONA, Ca. Stopping to marvel at the colorful uniqueness of the fantastical creatures and whimsical birds made from Palm fronds and stumps that he dragged there, William Fuller came out to greet us and talk about his art and the loss of loved ones that inspired his art and became his therapy. 100 year old piano wires in their frame set vertical with found objects hanging in front on string that struck the wires in the wind played ethereal music. Mr. Fuller and his art made our day and more.On Apr 28, 2008 Denise wrote:
First,I want to thank Richard Wittaker for the wonderful comments on Trona. Alot of movies are filmed here, then articles come out slamming our town after they've left, stars & production crews. Next, thank you for noticing one of our local artists, we have a few very special artists in our town, and it's nice that you gave "Bill" some recognition that he truly deserves...Thanks again!