Undercurrents is a site-specific sound installation on the banks of the Blue River. It explores the ebb and flow of thought, events, and histories that have shaped both the river and our lives along its course.
The work evokes a stream of consciousness, inviting reflection on how we connect to one another, to our social and working histories, and to plants, animals, and the natural world. It considers our cultural, political, and environmental entanglements, as well as the transformations of the built environment over decades—our sense of loss, change, and disconnection.
What stories might the river tell if it could speak? Undercurrents imagines these conversations across time, offering a catalyst for us to reflect on our place, here and now.
Bill Orisich is one of the featured artists in the 2026 Trail Mix as a part of Breck Create’s signature annual festival, BIFA. Trail Mix combines art + nature, with hikers and bikers following a trail to an art installation.
Bill Orisich is a filmmaker, musician/sound artist, photographer based in Breckenridge, CO. His work ranges from sound art, films, and music, to multi-channel visual/audio installations. He is inspired by exploring the response a site and its history can evoke, especially the human/nature dichotomy. Research, experimentation, and collaboration are key elements in Bill’s work, as is the search for the tension, humor, and mystery contained therein.
Bill’s art work has been presented in numerous exhibits and film festivals, including the 5-channel collaborative video installation: ground loop, at Whitespace gallery in 2018; when I whistle, a 3-channel, site-specific installation at the historic Swan House in Atlanta in 2016; and horse drawn piano, a moving sound/sculptural performance piece for Flux Night, Atlanta in 2013. In 2023 Bill’s photographs have been in exhibitions at CPAC in Denver; projected in downtown Denver as part of photography month; In August he created a sound piece for the installation, Invisible Matters, in Rochester, NY; and has ongoing music projects.
His film production company Whoa! Films, has been creating award winning commercial, and educational videos for over 30 years. It serves as a creative hub and production resource for his art projects and a training ground for emerging media makers and musicians. He received his BA and MS degrees respectively in Fine Arts and Education/media design from Indiana University. He’s also taught animation as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Artist-In-Schools program, among other workshops.
Bill gets energy and inspiration from being active outdoors in the mountains.