Book Description

Soul Exchange is an exploration of the art and life of Dennis Paul Williams, a St. Martinville native who has made a lifelong career painting spirits in their heavenly realm. Williams was driven as a child to draw, paint, and explore artistic materials as he embraced his Creole heritage, where every aspect of life revolves around faith, celebration, and beauty. Williams's works have evolved into expressions of his deep spirituality. The objects he creates are imbued with beauty and intrinsic spiritual power. He has works in numerous museums in the U.S. and beyond. Many of his paintings can also be found in private collections around the world. Wiliams has also enjoyed a parallel career as a guitarist for twenty-six years in his brother's band, Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas. The relationship between Williams's art, both music and painting, and his spirituality seem to embrace one word: healing. Whether an individual is overcoming illness, loneliness, or despair, Williams's art offers a prayer and moment of counseling. Soul Exchange presents over one hundred works by the artist. It also includes a portrait of Williams by book editor Philip Gould as well as an overview of his art by former Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque.