Bill Wittliff's life began in 1940, in the small, rural town of Taft, situated in southern Texas, a region that would forever hold a special place in his heart. However, his early years were marked by turmoil as his parents' marriage came to an end, leaving him and his brother, Jim, to navigate the challenges of a single-parent household.
As the family relocated to a sprawling ranch situated in the quaint rural community of Blanco, boasting a population of approximately seven hundred residents, nestled in the picturesque hill country of central Texas, a pivotal chapter in the life of Wittliff was set in motion. This formative period would subsequently exert a profound influence on his literary endeavors, informing his nuanced understanding of the people and places that would eventually become the focal point of his narratives.
It was the year 1964 when Wittliff, a recent graduate of the prestigious University of Texas, embarked on a new venture with his wife Sally, co-founding the esteemed book publishing company, The Encino Press.
With a keen focus on regional material that celebrated the unique culture and heritage of Texas and the Southwest, The Encino Press quickly established itself as a leading publisher of high-quality books that garnered widespread acclaim.
As the years went by, the press went on to win an impressive array of awards, exceeding the century mark with over 100 accolades for excellence in design and content.
Wittliff's multifaceted talents extend beyond his expertise as a writer, as he is also a skilled photographer with a remarkable portfolio. His photographs, which meticulously capture the essence of the Mexican vaquero's daily life, have been showcased in a plethora of esteemed galleries and institutions across the United States and Mexico.
This remarkable exhibit, which has been a traveling display for over two decades, has provided a captivating glimpse into the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Mexican vaquero.
Wittliff's remarkable journey began at the tender age of 29, when he was elected to the esteemed Texas Institute of Letters. This distinguished honor marked the start of a long and illustrious tenure, during which he would serve as president from 1974 to 1978. His impressive leadership skills and unwavering dedication to the organization earned him a seat on the Executive Council, a position he would hold until 1990.
In addition to his significant contributions to the Texas Institute of Letters, Wittliff was also elected as a Fellow of the Institute in 1993, a testament to his enduring commitment to the organization and its mission. Furthermore, he is a proud member of the historic Texas Philosophical Society, an organization that has been a bastion of intellectual curiosity and discourse for generations.
Wittliff's impressive resume also includes membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, a prestigious organization that celebrates excellence in the film industry. His involvement with this esteemed body is a reflection of his passion for the cinematic arts and his dedication to recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the field.
In addition to his various affiliations with esteemed organizations, Wittliff also serves on the Executive Board of Trustees of Robert Redford's Sundance Institute, a renowned organization that has been at the forefront of promoting independent filmmaking and supporting emerging talent in the industry.
In the year 1985, Wittliff and his spouse took the initiative to establish the Southwestern Writers Collection at Southwest Texas State University, a prestigious archive that boasts an impressive array of original manuscripts penned by a multitude of celebrated authors, including the esteemed J. Frank Dobie, the renowned John Graves, the acclaimed Larry McMurtry, and the legendary Willie Nelson.
Since its inception, the collection has experienced exponential growth, thanks in large part to the generosity of donors hailing from every corner of the nation.
The Wittliffs, a notable and philanthropic couple, made a generous donation to establish the Wittliff Gallery of Southwestern & Mexican Photography, a prestigious institution that proudly exhibits the remarkable work of many illustrious photographers. Among the esteemed artists whose work is featured in the gallery are the celebrated Russell Lee, the renowned Ansel Adams, and the iconic Henri Cartier Bresson. This esteemed gallery is conveniently located within the Albert B. Alkek Library, a prominent academic building situated on the university campus.
Bill Wittliff, a renowned individual, has shared his personal life with his loving wife, Sally, and together they have nurtured two adult children who have now grown into accomplished individuals. Their family resides in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, where they continue to thrive and build lasting memories.
