Artist, author, narrator, friend 

Anyone who visits the Lower Pecos is bound to visit the beautiful Seminole Canyon State Park. Along with the breathtaking landscape and spectacular rock art, visitors are greeted by a striking statue called The Maker of Peace, created by the talented Bill Worrell.

I had long heard of Bill Worrell and I knew that his unique style of art had been inspired by the ancient art he witnessed in 1979 on a canoe journey down the Pecos River. But I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Bill until this fall when he and his friend Sam Baker joined us on a hike. It just so happened that he visited us on a day when the Shumla team was being filmed for our new video. 

What incredible serendipity! 

Bill, the embodiment of calm wisdom and humble brilliance, was the perfect video narrator. His deep, resonant voice and clear, soft speech opens our video perfectly. In the video, Bill introduces the magic of this land and later chronicles the danger the art now faces. Art that has deep meaning to him - a depth you can feel in his narration.

You can learn more about Bill's inspirational journey in 1979 in a new article published by Western Art and Architecture Magazine. Bill's art can be found at galleries in Texas, Santa Fe and Sedona and online at www.billworrell.com. 

Bill has become fast friends with all of us at Shumla and now we can't seem to imagine a time when we didn't know him. Thank you Bill, for lending us your voice, your insight, your hearty laughter and infectious joie de vivre.