In a new text/audio feature by music writer Joel Gausten, legendary BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward opens up about how his new fine art series, Absence Of Corners, helped him deal with some of the intense emotions he felt after stepping away from the reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup in 2012.

“The biggest thing that I’ve definitely felt from this (art series project) is I’ve got a new peace of mind,” shares Ward. “It’s been extremely therapeutic. If I have to put anything on the very top of the tree, it would be 'therapeutic'… It’s really helped me a lot in some of the upheaval that I’ve felt since January 2012 up until now. I’ve had some very, very tough emotions; I’ve been very, very sad about some of the things that have happened. I know I’ve had to be kind of close-mouthed about the things going on with Sabbath. For me, it’s been a very difficult time, as I’m sure (it’s been) for a number of other people. I’m not discounting the other people in this, but for myself, it’s been very, very tough. I had no idea that by doing this project, it would turn out to be something that was actually quite personal and quite revealing.”

The complete feature on Bill Ward is available at this location.

Working with Los Angeles art team SceneFour, Ward created Absence Of Corners by using an array of drumsticks and rhythmic accessories that produce light, much like a painter utilizing brushes and oils. The movements featured within the captured rhythms were then studied and developed into abstract artwork that showcased a dimension not normally seen by the human eye. Each piece in this limited-edition collection is then numbered. All are signed by Ward. More information on the project is available at BillWardDrumArt.com.

An extensive process from start to finish, Absence Of Corners took nearly a year to complete. Working with Los Angeles art team SceneFour, Ward utilized a sophisticated formula to create the collection’s visuals, using an array of drumsticks and rhythmic accessories that produce light, much like a painter utilizing brushes and oils. The movements featured within the captured rhythms are then studied and developed into abstract artwork that showcases a dimension not normally seen by the human eye. Each piece in this limited-edition collection is then numbered. All are signed by Ward.

Ward on the project: “When I’m working on new ideas, musically much of what’s played is guided by a visual appearance or shape. Since my early childhood, I’ve played drums in visuals as well as sound. When I write, there’s always an image, sometimes a color attached to what’s being created. I’ve never ‘listened’ to bass notes; I ‘feel’ them. The keyboard’s black notes are dark to me and represent many sad emotions. These examples are simple, natural, childlike applications that have stayed with me. When SceneFour approached me about doing this project, it sounded like an adventurous progression. I am delighted with the captured expressions from my head and my heart. Their arrival onto canvas is beautiful.”

To develop the art collection, Ward utilized the expertise of art team SceneFour. Based in Los Angeles, SceneFour specializes in working with music visionaries on the creation of fine artwork. SceneFour’s previous art collaborations have included releases with Chuck D, Bootsy Collins, Page Hamilton, and The RZA. Over the last several years, SceneFour’s focus has been on the development and publishing of rhythm on canvas collections, with Ward’s collection being the largest release to date with a total of 18 different pieces featured and ranging in size (30" x 18" to the epic 85" x 30").

Ward discusses the collection in the following video: