“AN EPIPHANY”


“An Artist’s Epiphany”
LILLE` MC GHEE-QUEEN
20th Century Abstract Painter


It was a warm Sunday afternoon in August 1994 that a moment of clarity and truth occurred in
Milpitas, California. While clearing out one of the closets in our rental property, I stumbled upon an
Artist’s paint set that the Texas-bound tenants had left behind. Until that Sunday afternoon, I had never held an Artist’s brush in my hands nor dabbled in vibrant colors of paint.

My personal knowledge of art was limited to finger paint, crayons and coloring books. I grew up on the segregated farmlands of North Carolina in the ‘50’s & ‘60’s. There were no art galleries. No nearby museums. I was more familiar with schoolwork, church services and farm work.

I was 19 years when I relocated to Washington, D. C. I was also 19 when I first set foot in an art
gallery – an unremarkable experience seldom repeated in the next 30 years.

On that memorable Sunday afternoon in Milpitas, I was enthralled by the beauty of the texture of paint. There was no canvas nearby to test my newly discovered treasures, so I picked up a small piece of paper off the floor and made a few multihued swirls with a small paintbrush. Instantly addicted, I vowed to become a serious artist.

Within weeks, I stepped out on faith with a moderate amount of fear and confidence into the world of art. Initially, I painted everything that entered into my path: wood, paper, pebbles, cracked glass, broken tiles, rocks and sand. I saw a unique opportunity to transfer my findings and inner emotions onto canvas.

I had never studied art history and knew very little about art classifications. When asked about my abstract paintings, I proudly stated that my classification was a new brand – ‘unstructured art.” The name ‘unstructured art’ sounded unique, futuristic, mystical and exciting! I began networking with Northern California (Silicon Valley) artists and gallery owners. I was eager to learn more about the art world.

I became a volunteer docent at local galleries and museums. It was my desire to have my abstract paintings
blend equally as well with other paintings on exhibit but differently in composition, style and texture. Each of my paintings had a futuristic appeal with fine art influences.

In connecting my life’s experiences with an appreciation of the beauty and power of Mother Nature, it was easy for me to get totally lost on canvas for hours and hours, a great escape from the pressure of my career in Federal Law Enforcement.

At age 49, by accident I suppose, the other half of my brain – right brain – began to take charge. My paintings continued to grow on the walls of art galleries, museums, and private home collectors. Art has lead me to participate in KTEH-Channel 54 television art auctions, television and radio interviews. Viewers see Jackson Pollock’s influences in my abstract paintings; however, my greatest influence when it comes to abstract art is that of our teenage grandson, Giano Queen. He was on canvas before the age of five making powerful abstract brush stokes and colorful images.

Abstract painting starts with a vision in the dark – a vision that penetrates into daylight and then takes a journey around the canvas board and ends with a powerful masterpiece for interpretation and appreciation!

By Lille` Mc Ghee-Queen