How About This presents Bill Short

Bill Short is a NL resident who paints realistic, and tricky, branded packaging images on rocks!

Welcome to Atlantic Canada Mondays, a regular feature of How About This where we interview interesting residents of the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Today we’re interviewing Bill Short from Newfoundland and Labrador who is a clever and ingenious painter.

Some examples of Bill Short’s paintings - these are rocks!

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How did you begin your practice of painting rocks, especially with branded images?

I began painting rocks in July of 2019.  I was out for a walk and saw some painted rocks on the trail.  The intent is for people to find them and hopefully put a smile on their faces. I wanted to get in on the craze so I decided to start painting my own rocks to put on the trails for people to find.  The more I did, the more I learned.  I like painting things that are universally recognized, hence why the majority of my painted rocks are good items such as chocolate bars.

Have you always been a creative person, either painting or other media?

I’ve always had a creative side, be it graphic design, photoshop or musically.  Up until I started painting rocks I hadn’t painted much, besides in high school art classes. I enjoy the challenge and opportunity to grow in my hobby. 

What led you to start posting your work on Twitter?

I started posting my work on Twitter for a few reasons.  One, to promote the hobby of painting and hiding rocks.  I feel like it’s a wonderful way for people to express their creativity.  It’s also a great way for people to have an excuse to get out for a walk and get some fresh air.  I post my paintings on Twitter now as a way to keep my friends updated with what I have been up to.  I like to think there are some people out there who enjoy seeing my tweets.

How do you feel about Twitter these days?  Good, bad, indifferent?

Twitter is great when used for the right reasons.  I stay away from politics and drama as much as possible. I enjoy seeing tweets from my friends and family on there. My sister (@Mama_Ezekiel) makes wonderful creations in the kitchen.  My brother (@CapitaJim) posts great footage from his several trail cameras  set up around Newfoundland.

I see you have a TikTok as well, how is that going?

I started a TikTok channel about a year ago. I post short clips (20 or 30 seconds) of my rock painting.  I have approximately 160 videos uploaded there and just over 10,000 followers. It’s been a lot of fun and a great way to connect with other people who enjoy the hobby.  My user name is cbnl84.

Are you a lifelong resident of NL (Newfoundland and Labrador) or otherwise how long have you lived there?

I’m a lifelong resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.  I was born and raised on the west coast. 

What's one thing you wish other Canadians knew and understood about NL?

I wish other Canadians could visit Newfoundland and Labrador and see all that the province has to offer. It’s a beautiful place with wonderful scenery and wildlife. I feel like anyone who has never been to this province is missing out.

The flag of Newfoundland and Labrador

Would you recommend NL as a great place to live?  Why or why not?

For me personally, Newfoundland and Labrador is a great place to live and raise a family.  I am not qualified to speak to potential cost of living issues or lack of employment, healthcare, etc… from my own experience I would not want to live anywhere else.

How are your dogs?

Charlie and Belle, Bill’s dogs

My dogs are doing fantastic. Belle is a 7 year old golden retriever and Charlie is a 4 year old labradoodle. They both do not particularly enjoy the summer months with the heat, but it’s nothing a little swim can’t help.

Pretend you wake up one morning and you find out that the Internet has been destroyed.  What's the first thing that you do?

If I were to wake up one morning to find that the internet had been destroyed, I would be confused at first.  But once the confusion subsided I would probably feel a sense of relief. 

Society seems to be more and more geared towards online.  Everywhere you go, people have their heads down and are glued to their phones.  I feel like it would be a good opportunity for people to get back to the basics and embrace a sense of community. 

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Thanks so much to Bill Short for being interviewed! You find him on Twitter - @cbnl84