by Priscilla Aguilera, via The Hornet

Lesley Dill the Poetic Voice at Fullerton College on Thursday, Feb. 12 Photo credit: Christian Mesaros

Lesley Dill’s spring residency at the Fullerton College art gallery alters popular conceptions of conventional art by not being simple paintings hung on walls.

Dill uses words as patchwork to create familiar objects like dresses, and suits, she creates literature with words in a language of her own.

“She offers a great interdisciplinary bridge with poetry,” said Carol Henke, Fullerton College gallery director. “We wanted to get all the students interested in the gallery. With Lesley’s pieces drawing inspiration from literature, we could get the english department excited about art too.”

Dill donated a piece called “Horse Dress Puppet” to the Fullerton College permanent art collection. This piece was inspired by Leo Tolstoy.

At the opening reception of Dill’s gallery on Thursday, Feb. 11, students flowed in and out of the on-campus gallery.

“I enjoy the 3-D and interactive aspect of the art, using the words as sculpture and not flat on the wall was very interesting,” art student Melissa Castaneda said. “I only wish there was more to look at.”

The exhibit was made possible by the Frederick R. Weisman Art foundation, the work of Henke, and her gallery students.

Students can interact with the artist while she visits the campus in March during two different events. Monday, March 14 she will be giving a talk in the Wilshire Auditorium. Dill will also hold art demonstrations March 15-17, 8:30-11:00 a.m. and noon-3:30 p.m. in the Fullerton College art gallery.