Guardians

Dark winter months—both real and psychic—need a cheerful counterbalance. These colorful guardian figures draw on the playfulness of Alessi, the Memphis Group and other Italian design. Like birthday cakes and gingerbread houses, they are a reminder of joyful connections and the strength we draw from surrounding ourselves with them.

The sculptures marry busts of Gillies’ family and friends, with bodies made on hat forms from her early career as a milliner. Pastel portraits translate that vocabulary onto paper.