Daily Inspiration: Meet Bill Cormalis Jr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Cormalis Jr.

Hi Bill , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Southern California, in a city called Monrovia.

My mom is from Monrovia, while my dad is an immigrant from Argentina. I was exposed to creativity from my mother at an early age. She would draw comic book characters and cut them out for me to play with. My dad exposed me to skateboarding and motorcycles also at an early age.

Riding bikes, skateboards, playing baseball, and making art is what I did growing up, and still doing these activities to this day.

Being my dad is not from America, he’s suffered racial profiling and bouts of racism. My mom made me aware of this, and early on, racism was something that didn’t sit well with me.

Growing up in the Los Angeles area,
The Dodgers are a natural choice of a team to root for. I was exposed to racism through baseball with the Jackie Robinson story of him being the first colored player to play in the MLB, and the tough road it took for him to do so.

I’ve always made art just to make it. It’s my personal pastime. In my 30s, I started a career in the commercial arts with the Sign Industry. That had an immediate impact on my art. My art became more tactile and words started to appear in the work. It’s was during this time that I started to make baseball art.

The subject matter of the Negro Leagues of Baseball grabbed my attention, and I started to paint the greats of those Leagues. My passion for baseball and my disdain for racism came together in perfect harmony. The project has won awards and has been shown in public libraries and colleges throughout California.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist is not for the faint of heart. There are so many outside variables that make it difficult to be a creator. There are times when you prosper and also times when you do not. I’ve always made art for the freedom of it. I’m lucky if anyone buys it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a painter, known for my work regarding the history of baseball, particularly that of the Negro Leagues of Baseball. I am proud that my hard work is recognized and useful to others. I’ve shown at the Museum level. When the Museum director told me of the bus loads of children touring the museum were being educated on each of my artworks, was a very proud moment for me. I’m not a teacher.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The city of Los Angeles is rich in culture and the arts, and for that I love it.

There are many areas the city needs major improvement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Billcormalisjr.com
• Instagram: Modernsportsar