The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Artwork with ‘a hidden vibration’
LITCHFIELD — Jeffrey Tillou Antiques is pleased to present Mixed Media Assemblage by John Sideli. The exhibition will open with a preview reception at Jeffrey Tillou Antiques, on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibition of Sideli’s work will continue to be on view through Dec. 17.
Mixed Media Assemblage is an exhibition of approximately 15 large scale works of mixed media created by Sideli.
When asked to describe the pieces that will be in the show, Sideli offered this insight: “My works are crystallizations in time at the precise intersection of all my interests and passions expressed simultaneously with the same concentration and intensity and with the same ecstatic end in mind; that of creating a living piece of art that carries with it a very high vibration. I subscribe to the notion that there is a hidden vibration to every form or object and that combining objects carefully tuned to each other with respect to their original form and purpose, color and texture, physical attributes, be they round or square, soft or hard, passive or aggressive, can result in finely integrated and highly resonant works of art. I relish the process of discovering those hidden vibrations and then finessing physical relationships that express their essence or tell a story. I am a champion of the eloquence of everyday objects.”
Jeffrey Tillou Antiques is at 39 West St. (on the Green), in Litchfield, and specializes in 18th and 19th century Americana. Hours are Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information call 860-567-9693. To preview the works of John Sideli visit http://johnsidelifineart.com/
John Sideli was first drawn into the world of history and material culture when he became very interested in antiques and old houses during the two years between graduating from high school and deciding to attend art school. Sideli attended the fine arts program at Southeastern Mass University where two months into his second year, he met his wife during a bomb scare evacuation. The courtship was brief; they dated for a few weeks and then eloped, quit school, and began peddling antiques. It was the ‘60s.
Not long after leaving school, Sideli and his wife had the opportunity to work as caretakers on the Connecticut estate of the sculptor Alexander Calder. At that time, the Calders were mostly living in France, returning to Connecticut only occasionally. When they did appear, they were very encouraging of Sideli’s work and generous in their efforts to ensure it continued.
Sideli conjectures that was probably during this formative time in his understanding of art that the seeds of assemblage began to grow in his subconscious. “Calder’s hand was everywhere on the property and in the buildings. His playful and inventive approach made use of every sort of material, and object that you can imagine. Garden stools made of logs had penises; elegant origami type birds were made out of cut up coffee cans and strung on string. A worn and broken wooden kitchen spoon became a work of art with the addition of an artfully conceived brass wire repair. His sense of humor and creative genius were in evidence everywhere,” said Sideli
His experience living with the Calders and his innate draw to the aged and painted surfaces of antiques and folk art coalesced and when Sideli returned to making art, in the1980s, undeniably percolated up through his creativity to leave their mark on his creations. It was also during that time Sideli received some feedback on his work that ensured he would never put aside making art again. He said
John Sideli lives in South Eastern Massachusetts, and has sold 18th century Americana and Folk Art for over 50 years as well as exhibited in galleries throughout the North East and abroad. This is his second solo exhibition at Jeffrey Tillou Antiques.