William Paul Thomas

Photo by Chris Facey

Durham-based artist Willam Paul Thomas suggested we meet at Duke Chapel for this interview’s photoshoot: “I love the fact that Julian Abele designed Duke Chapel. I am proud to live in the city that has this as part of its foundation”. We asked him:

What gets you out of the house?

I love getting out to try new restaurants. Eating great food is probably in my top three favorite activities in life. I’m on a mission to try all the different variations of shrimp and grits out there.

Last movie you watched?

Last movie I watched was M. Night Shyamalan’s Old. Bruh really comes through with the twists.

What is the highest form of recognition for an artist? For you?

The highest form of recognition for an artist is for someone to pay you what you ask for if they are in a position to do so.

Which of your paintings do you still think about and why?

I still think about a 4x5 foot painting I made called More or Less that was on exhibition at The Carrack Modern Art and at the Durham Art Guild for one of the Annual Juried Exhibitions. After that show ended I hung it in the art office at UNC-Chapel Hill, where I worked as the Student Services Specialist. A staff member visiting from another department bought it.

More or Less by William Paul Thomas

What makes for a fun party?

A fun party consists of quality libations, amazing food, a hip hop playlist from the 99s and the 2000s, and old friends making new memories.