Like so many artists, who draw inspiration from the land they live on, Willi is heavily influenced by the landscape surrounding his studio on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. His works reflect the forms and issues linked to the environment he is immersed in.
Here is an excerpt from an article recently published by Australian Ceramics, on the influence craft arts can have on environmental issues.

CERAMICS, THE ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY: ‘CRAFT ARTS’ IN AN AGE OF ENVIRONMENTALISM

‘While ceramics in Australia is influenced by many traditions cultivated in other countries (‘Skangaroovian Funk’ drawing from the Californian Funk styles, or the Eastern inspired traditions of Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada), the Australian ceramics cultural landscape brings forth styles imbued with a distinctly Australian essence – inspired by the Australian landscape and by environmental concerns. This article will address aspects of these influences, highlighting some of the ceramics artists who draw inspiration from the Australian landscape and those who directly engage with environmental and ecological issues through their works. These two themes represent a polarity within ceramics: one emphasises the skills, materials and techniques in the production of an enduring object, the other concentrates on the concept that is addressed within the works.’