Gallery presentation features street photography
Campus Times
February 13, 1998
During the opening reception of her first gallery presentation, entitled
"Some People," photographer Lillian Wilson discusses her print
titled "Mom's Tattoo" with Phil Dunham of Yucca Valley. Her black-and-white
print exhibition includes portraiture and street photography in the 35mm
camera format. The show continues in the Carlson Gallery through March 20.
Photographer Lillian Wilson spoke Monday in La Fetra Auditorium about
her show "Some People," currently being exhibited in the Irene
Carlson Gallery in Miller Hall.
Wilson discussed her documentary street photography and portraits. The
subjects in her photography range from little children in Chicago, to a
famous actor, and include her family and friends.
"I look to see what others are doing to fill up their days. How
they are adapting to their situations and coping with each other,"
said Wilson.
Leonard Nimoy, best known for his role as Mr. Spock on the original
"Star Trek" television series, was photographed by Wilson. Nimoy
is depicted in three photos. "Leonard and Molly" a photo of Nimoy
and his cocker spaniel, is one of Wilson's favorite shots.
"He forgot that he was there and that I was there photographing
him, he was thinking about the dog. It was magic," said Wilson. "I
think that is one of the secret things I like about portraits, that it's
the in between times, when there's a break, that is the time when I usually
get my best shot," she said.
Wilson also discussed her thoughts, influences, subjects and techniques
on photography. Many of her images consist of strange and original cast
of characters. One of her big influences has always been her friends.
"Ever since I was little I always stared at my brother, my mother.
Just looking at them. I enjoy that. I guess I am trying to preserve the
moments."
An example of her photography techniques is "The Martian Lady."
In it, Wilson shows a woman who designs her hair in a way to contact aliens.
"I am more interested in the out-of-the-ordinary, the things that
happen only once. Sometimes the very poignant is caught [and] sometimes
the very humorous," said Wilson. However, according to her, both are
just as valid. "There are so many ways to live a life," she said.
Another street photograph Wilson admires is the one entitled "Bus
stop." In the picture, two men are shown waiting for a bus both very
different in appearance, and ethnicity. Wilson may one day plan to put together
a show of bus stop photographs.
"I like the photographs because at bus stops people of all different
races come to one spot together then leave again."
After Wilson's discussion the audience was invited to the gallery to
talk to her personally. Visitors had the opportunity to view her photography,
and also enjoy some refreshments.
The visitors walked through the gallery staring at several black and
white photos that ranged from different poses and places.
Many students faculty and community members enjoyed the show as well
as Wilson's talk.
"The lecture was very interesting. I enjoyed her work because it
had a lot of depth. It was very emotional," said freshman diversified
major Sarah Neri.
Wilson's photography is also featured in the book of poetry entitled
"Inert Fire," by Alice Freeman.
Gary Colby, professor of photography, said "Wilson is an important
individual because she represents a craft of photography, and she loves
that craft."
