Artist brings Native American art back to UP

By Amanda Blas Staff Writer blas13@up.edu

After more than 20 years, artist Lillian Pitt has returned to the University of Portland as a featured artist in the Buckley Center Gallery.

"It is a big treat to show at the Buckley Center again," Pitt said. "I love what I do, and now it's my turn to give back."

Pitt's work first appeared in the Buckley Center Gallery in January 1985 with art by two other artists as part of a visual celebration of the arts. This time, Pitt has the gallery to herself, featuring her exhibit "Gifts from My Ancestors."

"I think it's an honor to have her come back and show her work at our humble gallery," Pat Bognar, the curator of the Buckley Center Gallery, said. "She's exhibited work throughout the country."

Pitt's work mostly represents Native American art and features masks, sculptures and prints. Pitt created her work using Asian art techniques such as raku clay firing and anagama, a form of pottery making. She also uses a variety of materials such as bronze, precious metals, wood, glass, shells, leather and feathers.

"She uses such an intriguing variety of medium," Bognar said. "It just fits beautifully."

Since her first appearance in the Buckley Center Gallery, Pitt has continued to use these unique techniques and materials.

"The fact that she uses the same kinds of media she started out with is an accomplishment," Bognar said. "She continues to grow using this particular kind of media."

According to Pitt's website, her artwork is not only meant to delight art lovers, but to showcase the history and legends of her people. Pitt's ancestors lived near the Columbia River Gorge.

"Regardless of the medium, my work directly relates to and honors my ancestors, my people, the environment and the animals," Pitt said on her website. "This maintains my link with tradition and acknowledges the many contributions my ancestors have made to this world."

Bognar feels that Pitt has dedicated her life to showing the beauty of her culture through her artwork.

"Her artwork really opens your eyes to Native American culture," Bognar said. "It's informative and allows you to see the heritage of her people and their sense of importance they have for art."

According to junior Torri Ishihara, Pitt's decision to focus on culture makes experiencing her artwork more enjoyable.

"Her artwork has a different kind of meaning," Ishihara said. "It's not just aesthetically pleasing. You can see deeper into her work: her culture, her history, everything."

Sophomore Cam Aquiningoc agrees.

"The fact that she uses cultural-influenced techniques to create her artwork rather than traditional techniques adds a lot to it too," Aquiningoc said. "You can tell she wanted to give her artwork more than just beauty for meaning."

Pitt will be on campus Oct. 12 for a presentation on her cultural origin and the role it plays in her artwork. The presentation will be in BC 163 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a reception in the Buckley Center Gallery.

The exhibit runs until Oct. 20 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.