Artist Statement
I am fascinated by the rich ornamental patterns found in traditional rituals and objects, such as henna tattoos on the hands of brides in India, the embroidery of ancient Japanese kimonos, the lush organic designs on Islamic prayer rugs and the intricate geometry of Buddhist sand mandalas. In each example, there is an important relationship between pattern and body. The henna is painted directly onto the hands, the kimonos are worn, the prayer rugs are kneeled upon, and the mandalas are metaphors for the body as sacred temple, and also for its impermanence. My work is inspired by these relationships and the idea that the ordinary is transformed and exalted through ritual ceremony and ornamentation.
I am inspired to continue this visual tradition.
I am fascinated by the rich ornamental patterns found in traditional rituals and objects, such as henna tattoos on the hands of brides in India, the embroidery of ancient Japanese kimonos, the lush organic designs on Islamic prayer rugs and the intricate geometry of Buddhist sand mandalas. In each example, there is an important relationship between pattern and body. The henna is painted directly onto the hands, the kimonos are worn, the prayer rugs are kneeled upon, and the mandalas are metaphors for the body as sacred temple, and also for its impermanence. My work is inspired by these relationships and the idea that the ordinary is transformed and exalted through ritual ceremony and ornamentation.
I am inspired to continue this visual tradition.
Melissa Gill, M.A., M.F.A.
Artist Biography 2016
Melissa Gill is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice includes intaglio, lithography, serigraphy, relief, mixed media, drawing, collage, embroidery, artist books, and installation. She holds an MFA from IU Bloomington (2000), an MA from Purdue University (1997), a BFA from the University of Arizona (1994).
Currently she is Associate Professor of Drawing and Printmaking at Hendrix College.
