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For his exhibition at the USC Orange County Center, Professor Jay Willis has selected 10 wall pieces and 4 small pedestal sculptures from 2000-2005.
Reception: Thursday, September 29 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
USC Orange County Center
For his exhibition at the USC Orange County Center, Professor Jay Willis has selected 10 wall pieces and 4 small pedestal sculptures from 2000-2005. Willis explains his work: "Beginning in late 1992, I started fabricating a series of painted rope wall constructions that I often referred to as wreaths or objects activating sculptural space. The wreath icon/archetype allowed me to focus upon a broad range or cultural associations and interpretations, and the wreath reference expanded to include mazes, labyrinths, and mandalas: objects often viewed as tools used during mediation in order to center one's self and achieve inner peace. These tools/images appear throughout history, as early as 2000 BC, and plays a significant role in the cultural life of a broad range of civilizations. It is this cross-cultural existence, and different roles it plays within these varied life styles that initially attracted me. Whether it is a child's puzzle, part of an English dance ritual, or a religious pilgrimage, they all appear to share common structural qualities and essence."
In 1994, Willis took the painted rope objects off the wall and began fabricating large scale painted steel structures. Four years later, however, his interest returned to the wall. He then began to recognize that rules of the physical, intellectual, and secular world were simultaneously part of his fabrication process. As he continued his work, Willis' interest expanded from issues or investigations of cultural spiritualism or "man's search for purpose," and expanded to include issues relative to "man's search for ways to foretell his destiny or future."
In 2000, Willis began addressing the interior space of the ring. He had been fascinated by images of the Japanese Zen garden, but felt uncomfortable adapting or using them without a clear sense or appreciation of their essence. He began visiting gardens, walking their paths, and discovered the unique qualities they hold. He explains, "Labyrinths, often placed in the floors of churches, provided the parishioners with a means to fulfill a pilgrimage. I began to view my wall fabrications as being analogous and sharing numerous qualities associated with the Zen gardens."
Willis' work has appeared in numerous exhibitions including The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Newport Harbor Art Museum, La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Skirball Cultural Center. His solo exhibitions include Cal State University Fullerton, Cirrus Gallery of Los Angeles, USC Fisher Gallery, and Cal State University Fresno. He is currently a Professor of sculpture at the USC School of Fine Arts.
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