Introduction

Over the past 20 years, Images of the North has presented the beautiful and powerful work of Lillian Pitt. Using non-traditional materials, her Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama heritage infuses her art, preserving the stories and myths of the Yakama people.

Mostly self-taught, Lillian began her career using clay; molding and building exciting and colorful “Stick Indian” raku and anagama fired masks as well as her elegant and moving “Shadow Spirits”. The Stick Indian masks represent spirits of the woods and forests. Iconic rock paintings in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon were her inspiration as she developed her style and imagery.

An extraordinary new personal perspective of her culture began to emerge. Collectors interested in masks and sculpture were intrigued by Lillian's style. These pieces were so exciting, colorful and different from what was being created at the time that her career took off. Not only were collectors impressed, the native community appreciated and understood what she was trying to convey about her heritage. Her works were sought after for public art displays and began to be included in museum collections.

Experimenting in many artistic disciplines over the years including dry point prints, silver jewelry and bronze castings, Lillian is now turning her prodigious talent to glass. This collection is perhaps one of her most provocative to date. The minimalist construction and jewel like colors of the glass create a vibrancy that is most compelling. Her specially designed metal display stands are works of art in themselves.

Lillian has become very well known for her award winning designs. She is a recipient of the Governor's Award for the Arts in Oregon and is featured in the Heard Museum, the Burke Museum, Washington State Historical Museum and in numerous public and private collections worldwide.

Images of the North is honored and proud to have had the opportunity to offer this extraordinary artist a venue in San Francisco and will continue to present her work for years to come.