| Lili Artel |
 Blue
Landscape1997 Fused Glass Enlargement,48K |
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 Cranberry
LandscapeTransformation 1997 Fused Glass Enlargement, 24K |
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Fusing glass panels gives me the freedom of painting with the luminosity
and color range of glass. I create fused glass “paintings” through a
process which combines working with glass-cutting, placing and melting; and
painting-layering, gesturing with color and experimenting. Working with a
design in pencil or watercolor, I fuse a piece two to three times, each
time adding a layer of cut, pulled or powdered glass. The ingredients are
heated in a kiln until the glass becomes molten and merges into an image.
By fusing the glass, I can obtain layers and depth not possible with
traditional stained glass and can produce a “painting” with an added
dimension — light. I suspend each glass panel from the wall or a steel
stand to further the impression of each as a painting. |
 Purple
Iris: Resurrection1997 Oil, Chair & Metal Enlargement, 17K |
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 Split
Foliage #21996 Oil & Stick Enlargement, 19.5K |
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The line, edge, point or space that separates as well as joins stuff has
always intrigued me. I’ve come to understand that my interest in these
places of connection/separation represents visually my philosophical and
spiritual acceptance of a fundamental duality in all of existence.
On the canvas, I investigate this double-edged way of experiencing the world by juxtaposing painting elements or processes — geometric with organic shapes; images that represent my inner self with images I see; images that represent my masculine side with images that represent my feminine side; two-dimensional with three-dimensional; intuitive or accidental with planned; or traditional methods with new technology. I also recognize the natural elements in my works as symbols for my growth
process. Perhaps I am simply an autobiographical artist documenting the
evolution of my thoughts.
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I incorporate the traditional artforms of the Shona people into designs and
paintings, using fabric as a medium to display the rich African heritage. I
use cornmeal — used to prepare the staple food of Zimbabwe, called sadza —
to create different designs; experimenting with color enables me to give
birth to hues whose intensity is not seen in many art mediums. Most of my
subjects are derived from my traditional background, using animals native
to my homeland. The designs include many wild animals found in Zimbabwe’s
forests and game reserves.
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 Carriage,
Daniel Webster Inn1997 Ilfochrome Photograph Enlargement, 44K |
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 Sea
Quest1994 Ilfochrome Photograph Enlargement, 26K |
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I have always been amazed by all our world has to offer, wonders large and
small. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel both domestically
and abroad. Whether in foreign lands or my own backyard, I am captivated by
all I see. I use my camera to explore my surroundings from a distance and
with increasing intimacy, taking time to be aware of the beauty that may be
overlooked in the bustle of everyday life. Photography is the means through
which I found a voice to express my fascination.
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