William Schaff is an American artist celebrated for his haunting, deeply human imagery. Working from his Rhode Island studio, known as Fort Foreclosure, Schaff creates art that feels both intimate and universal. His pieces — often crafted from scratchboard, collage, or cut paper — explore themes of grief, love and resilience with raw honesty.
Blending spiritual symbolism with personal vulnerability, Schaff’s work is instantly recognisable. Figures of bones, saints, and hybrid creatures inhabit his world, inviting reflection on what it means to be alive and compassionate. His art is not polished for perfection; it’s layered, textured, and beautifully imperfect, echoing the emotions it portrays.
Many music lovers know Schaff through his iconic album artwork for Okkervil River, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Songs: Ohia. Each image feels like a visual echo of the music — tender, unsettling and unforgettable. At the heart of his work lies empathy. Schaff transforms pain into connection, using art to bridge isolation and understanding. Whether hanging in a gallery or gracing a record sleeve, his creations remind us that beauty and sorrow often live side by side.
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