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"When working, I search for the unknown and record it, making invisible energy visible, using materials integral to both Western and Eastern art forms. Philosophically referencing Chinese landscape painting that shows several vantage points of a scene at once, my work has been called a magical act."

On The Work of Lili White

Lili White's previous works have often found their genesis in some found element of nature. A leaf, a shell, or related souvenir has been used as a starting point for a painting, video or installation piece. Often these works serve commentary on her experiences with Jungian thought.

In a new series of drawings she reverses her strategy by starting out with more modest art materials and finding a bit of nature. These drawings start with brush and ink lines that insinuate calligraphic forms on paper. A solid overlay of either metallic or opalescent color is then applied to obscure the lines of ink. Using various tools she engraves a new drawing onto the shiny surface. This secondary drawing interacts with the first to create a dizzying third that defies its two dimensional plane. The kaleidoscopic results pulsate as the matte ink and glossy oilstick reveal sub-patterns and meta-patterns. It's like being at a party where Rousseau and Boccioni are both talking to you at the same time and with a champagne buzz on. Elements lyrical, decorative, primitive and futuristic tumble together in these drawings like the cosmos one hopes to catch a glimpse of in Blake's grain of sand.

-- Anthony McLaughlin, Philadelphia