The music prgram offered in the Houston public schools was the fertile ground for my artistic beginnings. A photo of myself, age nine playing my violin, is the only evidence I have of that beginning. The following years were busy with lessons, summer music camps, practice, theory, rehearsals, recitals, competitions, two symphony orchestras, ballet orchestra, and chamber groups. After a full music career and college, I put my violin away to pursue marriage and family. On rare occasions over the years, I would trot out my fiddle and dazzle my children.
In 1993 I went to The Gold Violin Shop and placed my instrument on consignment to be sold. A hesitant Mr. Gold wrote out the ticket. Item: 1 volin outfit; German; circa 1930; w/bow and case; $1000. "why are you doing this?", he sadly asked. I answered, "It has been under my bed for years and this violin was meant to be played. Now, I am interested only in making sculpture." He looked directly into my eyes, pausing to gather his words and said emphatically, "You could NEVER have made your sculpture without first having made your music."
Mr. Gold is absolutely right. Music is the source I use and without it my life lacks lustre. My music has translated into my work in fluid lines, rhythms, and movement. No matter what the subject, emotion, or medium, tactile expressiveness seems to emerge as an integral part of the piece.
Working in mixed media gives me the freedom to "play many instruments" through the tactility of the materials. I use materials from a myriad of sources. They may be found object, plaster, wood, paper, fiber, and cast metal. Much like a symphonic conductor, I am responding ot each material as if it were a separate instrument, with different strengths, nuances, tones , tendencies, and capabilities. I call upon them to go as far as their limits allow. The effect my be harmonious, discordant, whimsical or curious. Surface application find to be the most challenging and interesting part of the process. By manipulating surface and texture, I trick the materials into behaving as though they are something they are not.
My work is a response to all that I hear, see, and feel. I walk around in my preceptions, provocations, observations and intrigues. The subject matter of my current work explores the dichotomy of the light and dark sides of my experiences. It can be as subtle as the color black or as light as using cast fruit in a frivolous manner.
Making art is my elemental form of self-expression and the most rewarding. Balance and wholeness is what I feel when I am working. I again a sense of wonder at the finished piece. It is the me I have never seen...sometimes recognizable, sometimes not. But, it is always me...an uncompromised and totally indepedent me.
©Rosalind Lilly. For more information about the work contact the HWCA at (713)520-7840, The Firehouse Gallery, 1413 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006.