Performer Page

I’m Bill, and I make balloons. I started sewing in my teens, became certified to sew parachutes in my 20s, and sewed my first inflatable star in my 30s. Over the past twenty years, I’ve made all kinds of crazy balloons for other artists, while also amassing a large library of inflatable lanterns and light sculptures that I use to decorate parties and festivals. My process usually begins with a 3D computer model that I use to create digital 2D patterns. I then use a computerized cutting table to cut the fabric into pieces, before sewing it all together and installing the lights and electronics. As much as I enjoy the design and fabrication, my favorite part of the process is the installation, where I get to hang the balloons in places where they were never meant to be. Whether it’s a night club, convention center, forest, or city park, every location comes with its own set of challenges, and requires a unique combination of rigging techniques. Although I have family roots in the area, this is my first time visiting Boise, and I am excited to bring my art to the Treefort trees.