Willie was literally Clydebuilt in that he served his time in the historical and world famous ‘Red’ Clyde Shipyards. He finished his apprenticeship gaining Advanced City and Guilds Certification with Distinctions which placed him as top apprentice of the year which in turn led him to being being presented with the prestigious ‘Hammerman’ Award by the Provost of Glasgow.
He hosted his own bespoke metalwork programme for the Discovery channel.
He currently features on the Inverclyde YouTube channel which promotes a select group of Artists working in Inverclyde who hold reputations for their avant-garde work.
2000-now
Participated in Digital Open Studios project for Inverclyde Council website.
Privately commissioned to design, fabricate & install Victorian roof garden fence, Glasgow.
Covid restrictions permitting currently– developing 2 Seasons of metal workshops for community participants and 1 Series of Metalwork Masterclasses for advanced participants. Greenock and Gourock venues respectively.
Commissioned by Kai (Gourock) to design & fabricate bespoke barbeque smoker. Eye-catching piece for use at outdoor catering events and festivals.
Created, led & installed metal installation as part of community metal workshops, Belville Street Gardens, Greenock.
Support Inverclyde Shed with various pieces for inclusion in the community gardens.
Commissioned to make rocking chairs incorporating bass guitars and vintage tractor seats.
Continuously design, fabricate and collaborate with local artists, galleries, organisations and private clients to create spoke works.
Collaborated with Louie Pastore in Exhibition of Metalwork & photographs of upcycled items – Dec 2018, Beacon, Greenock
Designed, fabricated & delivered exercise bike that produced smoothies when pedals are operated. Commissioned by Belville Street Gardens, Greenock.
Designed & led workshop to produce copper crucifix & garden furniture (planters from oil drums) – Salvation Army, Inverclyde.
Commissioned, designed, fabricated aluminium/steel can crushing/recycling machine, Milton Church Community garden
Contributed to Art Installation, Finnieston Crane, Dockside, Glasgow.
This film is part of the Inverclyde Open Studios series, exploring the lives and work of some of Inverclyde’s great artists. The series was filmed and edited by Tall Tale Films. Coordination and captioning by Jenny McVicar. It was programmed by CVS Inverclyde in partnership with Inverclyde Council and funded by Creative Scotland’s Create:Networks.