Meet Bill Jeralds | Artist – Angel Sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill Jeralds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I would say the most important factor is the belief that I am truly fulfilling a purpose, in both myself, and those who love and own my Angels.

I have heard stories from many people who own the Angels I create telling me about the positive impact the Angels have had on their lives. Each time I hear one of these stories, it reignites my passion for the work I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am not a trained artist and, truth be told, I had never done any art in my life. I had always been more of a computer tech type. All of that changed in 2005 when I became very sick. With a host of medical issues that included double pneumonia, collapsed lungs, bacterial sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress
Syndrome, my doctors placed me in a medically induced coma to try to reverse my symptoms. After a month in that state, my doctors informed my wife Shannon that there was little hope for my survival and that she should make arrangements. After telling her they were going to stop my treatments she
loudly protested telling them, "You are men, You are good men that do good things, but you are not God and He will have the final word. We have  insurance and you are going to continue to treat him until he walks out of this hospital”. Three days later, I woke up.

When I woke up, I had no memory of my life; a blank canvas if you will. It was wild in my 50’s to be seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Everything was brand new and overwhelming. I remember telling my wife that I was going to create art, Angels to be exact. Lovingly she told me, “Honey, you forgot a lot about your life. You know computers but you don’t know anything about art”. I remember telling her, “I don’t know what I can’t do, so I think I can do anything”.

That’s how it all started. Now, all these years later, I am still excited each day to create these beautiful pieces of art that mean so much to me and to others. They are owned and collected by people from all walks of life. It is a wonderful reminder that rich or poor, famous or living a wonderfully quiet life, on a
human level we are all connected by spirit.

I do have one accomplishment that I am especially proud of as an artist. One of my Angels is owned by and on display at the Vatican. It is hard for me at times to think that my hands created something that hangs in such a meaningful and holy place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Ventura California. It is a beautifully unique beach town with deep history, near-perfect weather, ocean and mountain views, a thriving arts community.

Grant Park sits on a mountain and allows beautiful views of the entire city. In the center of the park is a 1 acre plot of land, a park within a park, that houses a huge wooden cross taken from the original Mission San Buenaventura. It is a perfect place to watch the sunset into the Pacific Ocean.

Then off to the Ventura Pier to Beach House Tacos share some of the best tacos in the city.

Next, a short drive north to “The Sacred Space” for some tea and quiet peace in their beautiful gardens. Enjoying a few moments by the tranquil Koi Pond it is easy to forget the world and center the soul.

Taking a trip down Main Street in Ventura is always a big hit for friends and family from bigger cities, especially during Fourth of July. So many local vendors and artists really bring the spirit of Ventura to life, transforming main street into a space for music, outdoor shopping, great food and a sense of community.

The Ventura Harbor is another favorite destination for my family from out of town. There are quite a few restaurants, a delicious ice cream spot called Coastal Cone and you can walk along the edge of the water and see both fishing and recreational boats lined up in their slips. They also offer whale watching tours that take you out toward the channel islands, which is a fun way to spend the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am very fortunate to have so many people in my life who believe in me and the work I create.

When I think about art and artists, I have a vision of someone who works alone. Someone focused on creating art that moves them emotionally, but for me it is different.

When I am creating an angel sculpture, I am focused on how this piece will touch someone else’s soul, whether to bring them joy, remind them how much they are loved or support them through a difficult time in their life. To that end, I remember all of the people along the way that have given the love and
support I need to create. There are so many people that have encouraged me over the years but it is never lost on me how none of this would be possible without the love of my beautiful wife Shannon.

Website: www.angelduststudios.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bill.jeralds