Published Apr 29, 2015

Episode 598 - Robert Williams

Explore Robert Williams' profound impact on art and culture, from his roots in the underground comic scene to mastering surrealism, while Nate Bargatze reflects on how relocating to Nashville has redefined his family life and comedic path.
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Episode Highlights

  • Early Influences

    reflects on his early influences, revealing how the tawdry side of culture and the Beatnik movement shaped his artistic vision. Growing up in Albuquerque, he was drawn to the romance of petty criminals and the bohemian lifestyle, which he found lacking in his small town. His fascination with surrealism, particularly the works of Salvador Dali, further fueled his creative journey.

    The tawdry side of cultures always fascinated me. It's always seemed romantic to me.

    ---

    engages with Robert on how these influences led him to become a chess hustler and immerse himself in the Beatnik scene, despite the lack of a true literary beatnik world in New Mexico 1 2.

       

    Style Development

    Robert's painting style has evolved significantly over the years, marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. He describes the journey from achieving only a fraction of his vision in his youth to reaching about 80% of his intended outcome in his later years. This evolution reflects his dedication and the laborious nature of his work, as he continually seeks more time-consuming yet rewarding techniques.

    It's more than obsession and it's more than fulfillment. It's like your worth.

    ---

    Marc Maron3 4.

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