Pussy Power Post #1-Alicia Piller
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Alicia since 2000. We first met in college, and even then, I could see what a phenomenal woman she was going to be. Fast forward, nearly two decades and she has accomplished so much. She’s a sought-after multimedia artist who has found success in the realms of painting, jewelry, and costume. As she seeks to further her art education and broaden her range into the world of sculpture, I felt the need to take pause to celebrate the fuck out of her.
We caught up with each other for an interview and it went a little something like this…
I’ll start with a very LA-esque question. What exactly is it that you do?
I am a contemporary mixed media artist. My focus is on sculpture and installation and currently I am getting my MFA in Art at CalArts.
What inspires you?
Science, biology, & history are a few major themes that I love to explore in my work. Traveling and collecting unusual objects from all over the world are also a large part of my inspiration.
Give me an abridged version of your journey.
I was born and raised in Chicago. I received a B.A. from Rutgers University for both Anthropology and Fine Arts (painting). After undergrad I moved to Brooklyn, NY and began to combine my artistic talents and interests by starting a business; making and selling sculptural leather jewelry and costumes, amongst many other things. My jewelry designs help build a foundation for my current visual art; using original techniques developed as a result of constant and continual experimentation. Moving to Santa Fe for 3 years helped expand my work in size and content, giving me the confidence to apply to graduate school for sculpture.
What’s your biggest accomplishment thus far?
I've had a few great accomplishments, both in my career and personally, like having my work worn by celebrities like Phylisha Rashad, Jill Scott and Ciara and hiking to the top of Kilimanjaro.
But overall my biggest accomplishment would be doing exactly what I am doing now: making larger sculptures/installations and getting into grad school. For some reason, for the longest time I didn't think I was worthy or capable, but through my journey I have grown out of that negative thinking. So I guess....finally....truly believing in myself.
What’s next for you?
Continuing to travel the world, making art, and getting my work into major museums and galleries.
Name one major goal for the future so your sistren can manifest that with you.
Find a live/work warehouse space!
Lady Bits
I ask all my Pussy Power Post subjects to fill out a form that questions everything from what gets them going in the morning to abstract ways in which they view themselves.
Name: Alicia Piller
Age: 35
Location/Region: Southern California
Industry: Art
Theme Song: Two current favs at the moment....Hiatus Kaiyote - Nakamarra (feat. Q-Tip) & Santigold - Who Be Lovin' Me ft ILOVEMAKONNEN
Favorite Place to Travel: That's at tough one.......I try to visit a new place in the world every year...
If You Were A Color You Would Be: That's another tough one.....I'd pick rainbow if that was an option!:)
Favorite Article of Clothing: Jeans
This feature on Alicia happened to coincide with Alicia's recent showing at Cal Arts. She presented a large sculptural installation called: Birth of the Race_es_ist. Here’s what she had to say about it:
The sculptural work, BIRTH of the Rac_es_ist, attempts to reconcile questions about the current state of our times. Piller, works on a macro/micro level, using her mixed media talents to cultivate a sense of organized chaos. Through unconventional use of materials like steel, latex, & leather; Piller manipulates these man-made elements into organic form, exploring how race is “... a cosmological ordering system that divides the world’s peoples into what are thought to be biologically discrete and exclusive groups” (Smedley, 16). Forming latex balloons into shapes reminiscent of human skin cells, Alicia manifests a world of organisms resembling the fabric of human biology, the universe, and our place within the world.
It was powerful, it was beautiful, it was big as fuck, and I’m so honored to have been invited to share in it. While we take this moment to celebrate Alicia and her insane talent, peruse through the gallery to catch her work. It’s kinda stunning.
To find out more about what Alicia is up to, or to contact her, hit up the links below:
Instagram, Facebook Page, Email
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