Meet Lilly Lerner Reilley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilly Lerner Reilley.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a storyteller who uses clay as the instrument to tell my story. My most recent medium of expression has been the creation of clay purses that symbolize women and their voices. Each of my purses is an attempt to bring those voices, individually or collectively, to life once again. I was born in South America, a daughter of an immigrant family that moved to Colombia in the 1920s and 30s. In turn, I immigrated to United States in my late teens. The immigrant experience and the idiosyncrasy of the countries that have been my hosts are two major influences on my work.

Currently, I reside in Houston, Texas. After a career in the computer industry, I became a clay artist. I have studied ceramics at the Glassell School, the teaching institute of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, since 2004. Now, I work in a studio in the Heights, which I share with nine other very talented Houston Clay Artists.

Please tell us about your art.
After my mother died a few years ago, I started to reflect on the moments in which she filled my life with happiness. My mother worked many long hours during the week; but, once in a while, she would come home early. On those occasions, when I got off the school bus and entered my house I would see her purse in the hallway. My whole self would be filled with the most extraordinary sense of joy. Her purse was the trigger for my emotions.

But, thinking back on my mother and my childhood, I realized that purses are more than a trigger. Growing up in a small immigrant community gave me a strong sense of belonging. When you are part of such a community you have the time and proximity to observe and verify the narratives of the community’s members. When observed in detail, women’s narratives are often reflected in the purses that they carry. The purse becomes a voice that communicates insight into its owner.

Initially, my purse series concentrated on memories of my mother, her friends and everyday life in the tropics. The voices of their purses remind me of the sense of belonging in my immigrant community. As the series progresses, I have started to introduce voices from other communities that I have belonged to during my own immigrant journey.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
The lack of focus on art education. Currently, art education is being taken away from our schools, which leads not only to less rounded individuals, but also a collective lack of ability to perceive the subtlety of the language of art. The lack of education in the arts means not only having fewer artists, but also fewer individuals touched by art’s language.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is shown mostly in Houston area galleries. My gratitude to those who inspired my work has been documented in a book. In addition, I have a web page at lillylerner.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: lillylerner.com
• Email: lernerlilly@gmail.com
• Instagram: curlycolombian

Image Credit:
Pictures of the individual purses taken by Will VanOverbeek.

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.