William Underwood: From Ballet to Brushes

William Underwood’s journey as an artist has been anything but conventional. Raised on his family’s farm in the Appalachian Mountains, William was immersed early on in the natural beauty of his surroundings. At 16, he shifted directions, leaving the mountains for Florida to pursue a career in ballet through a rigorous pre-professional program. But an unexpected hip injury forced him to reconsider his path and ultimately led him to explore other creative outlets that had always interested him: painting and cooking.

Relocating to Charlotte, NC, William first pursued a career in the culinary world, quickly rising to executive chef. His time in the kitchen gave him a chance to exercise his creativity in new ways and connected him with an artistic community, yet his passion for painting remained. Now focused on his art full-time, William combines inspiration from two sources close to his heart: the ancient art of early humans and the playful spirit of his young children.

His artistic process is unique, blending the use of natural materials like local clay, ash, and native charcoal with the traditional practice of canvas painting. William begins each piece by burning the canvas over an open fire, infusing the work with a rustic, earthy quality reminiscent of prehistoric art. His children often contribute to the pieces as well, leaving playful marks that add an element of spontaneity and make each painting a family collaboration.

The result is artwork that captures both a sense of history and personal narrative. By merging these influences, William’s work feels grounded and accessible, bringing together elements of his past and present in a way that feels both intentional and organic. His journey may have started on the stage and in the kitchen, but it has ultimately led him back to the canvas, where he continues to explore, experiment, and create in his own distinctive way.

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