Mindy Lam Digital Catalogue - Flipbook - Page 8
FOREWORD
Cindy M. Petersen, EdM
Executive Director
The first time I laid eyes upon Mindy Lam’s
work, I knew that I would someday be writing
this foreword because, like most who view her
creations, I was immediately captivated not only
by her talents, but also by the compelling manner
in which her creations beckoned me in an
otherworldly sort of way. It was not until I later
had the pleasure of spending time with Mindy in
person that I understood why her pieces made
me feel that way. Mindy Lam is from another
world. It’s a world of fantasy wrapped in beauty
and creativity that is both delicate and powerful.
Featuring semi-precious stones, as well as
precious metals, her pieces are unquestionably
of the physical world. But once these elements
are in her nimble hands, the physical world is
quickly left behind as she entwines delicate
representations of the celestial reverie and
mystical musings that she sees in the everyday
world.
Realizing how truly powerful Mindy’s gift of
interpretation was, we challenged her to create
pieces inspired by the stories she might see
in various works on view here at the Taubman
Museum of Art. The result is Opulence and
Fantasy: Couture Gowns and Jewelry of Mindy
Lam, an exhibition that weaves its way through
our galleries, pairing Mindy’s creations with the
works to which her creations pay homage.
In the Fralin Center for American Art, for
example, we see intricate works from Mindy
inspired by our permanent collection: Emil
Carlsen’s The Leeds Jug, Johann Hamza’s The
Curiosity Shop, and Lawrence Beck’s Sterling Forest
Water Lily I, all among my favorites, as well as our
much adored and ever popular Portrait of Norah
Gribble by the esteemed John Singer Sargent.
Rubin Singer couture ensemble, courtesy of Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo, featuring Mindy Lam accessories, including Sterling Garden: Neck Piece,
Metal Lace Cuff, Cuff and Brooch, courtesy of the artist. In the background: John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925), Portrait of Norah Gribble,
1888, oil on canvas, acquired with funds provided by the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust
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