2008 Woodie Awards
Q & A: Newport Artist and Landlord William Heydt
Elisabeth Steinhardt
Issue date: 5/3/05 Section: News
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"William Heydt moves through his subject matter, 'comme un passion dans l'eau.' Literally translated, "like a fish in water," the French use this term to describe a person perfectly suited to his elements."
William Heydt was born in 1949 and grew up in Westchester, NY. Heydt came to Rhode Island to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This is when he started exploring and enjoying Newport and everything it has to offer. E
Each year, during the summer, Heydt traveled to southern France, just outside of Uzes, where he learned the art of printmaking with a local artist. After graduation, Heydt moved to Paris where he studied under artist, Stanley William Hayter for a couple of years.
After taking time to explore Europe, Heydt returned to the Ocean State to work his way towards a Master of Fine Arts Degree again at RISD. Here, he worked as a graduate assistant.
After graduation, Heydt joined the faculty at Massachusetts College of Art and taught there until 1983. Craving a change of scenery, Heydt moved to New York City, where he focused on his passion of painting and photography. Vibrant urban life and the bustling city environment provided him with a new subject matter he had yet to capture.
After 12 years, Heydt moved back to Rhode Island and settled in Newport with is wife, Rosemary and his three children, Sam, Eric and Bernadette. Heydt is now focusing on painting "Newportant" people and is focusing on being a landlord and property owner in Newport.
Q: You attended college at RISD?
A: Yes. It didn't prepare me for the real world, though. They don't tell you what to do once you get there [life after college].
Q: What is your inspiration behind your photography?
A: I've always caught people in the moment. Ordinary people in ordinary moments. To take something ordinary...very inspirational.
Q: What is your inspiration behind your paintings?
A: People in their place of work. I try to get as many people as possible from all different places.
William Heydt was born in 1949 and grew up in Westchester, NY. Heydt came to Rhode Island to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This is when he started exploring and enjoying Newport and everything it has to offer. E
Each year, during the summer, Heydt traveled to southern France, just outside of Uzes, where he learned the art of printmaking with a local artist. After graduation, Heydt moved to Paris where he studied under artist, Stanley William Hayter for a couple of years.
After taking time to explore Europe, Heydt returned to the Ocean State to work his way towards a Master of Fine Arts Degree again at RISD. Here, he worked as a graduate assistant.
After graduation, Heydt joined the faculty at Massachusetts College of Art and taught there until 1983. Craving a change of scenery, Heydt moved to New York City, where he focused on his passion of painting and photography. Vibrant urban life and the bustling city environment provided him with a new subject matter he had yet to capture.
After 12 years, Heydt moved back to Rhode Island and settled in Newport with is wife, Rosemary and his three children, Sam, Eric and Bernadette. Heydt is now focusing on painting "Newportant" people and is focusing on being a landlord and property owner in Newport.
Q: You attended college at RISD?
A: Yes. It didn't prepare me for the real world, though. They don't tell you what to do once you get there [life after college].
Q: What is your inspiration behind your photography?
A: I've always caught people in the moment. Ordinary people in ordinary moments. To take something ordinary...very inspirational.
Q: What is your inspiration behind your paintings?
A: People in their place of work. I try to get as many people as possible from all different places.