The Irresistible Terror of Loveliness was a winding, writhing labyrinth of floral patterns coiling and draping creepily through the space. In this large-scale work, Wilson covered the 61-foot west wall of the gallery with swirling narrow strips of brightly colored paper. The technique is based on an eighteenth-century craft from known as quilling or paper filigree. Like an invasive root system, the tendrils took over the entire surface of the wall.

The Irresistible Terror of Loveliness, quilling (paper), 38,000 pins, Installation at Southern Exposure Gallery, San Francisco, 61’ x 12’, 2001

A HUGE thanks to the following people whose time, energy, fabulous color coordination and artistry are testament to The Irresistible Terror of Loveliness: Sarita Ahuja, Ehab Bandar, Amy Berk, Geoff Chadsey, Andy Cox, Katie Curtis, Ella Delaney, Barb Eaton, Reanne Estrada, Kirk, Michael Kirschbuam, Daniel Lawrence, David Lawrence, Elliot Lessing, Kim Mischowitz, Aaron Noble, Nicole Sanches, and Beth Stoker. Thank you also to Trisha Lagaso and Jen Lovvorn