Lonna Keller | LUX Center for the Arts | Art Gallery, Classes, Summer Camps & Outreach
 

Lonna Keller

Lonna Keller

Artist
Profile Location
Tiffin , IA
Biography

The jewelry and body adornments of award-winning artist Lonna Keller have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, NY. Keller received an MFA in metalsmithing in 1998 from the University of Iowa, a BFA in metalsmithing, and a BS in sociology/anthropology in 1994 from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Artist Statement

Elegance, versatility and wear ability are concepts that are the focus of my jewelry. Simple lines, well-integrated components and neutral colors are combined to enhance a wide range of styles without attempting to dominate. Varying degrees of texture add substance without additional weight. The use of precious and semi-precious materials in fluent, uncomplicated forms allow these pieces to travel to the board room as well as a night on the town.

My work is a celebration of the female form and sensuality, with pieces that enhance a variety of body types. Many pieces are meditative, a repetition of materials that does not furnish a focal point but invite touching and imply a second skin. These one of a kind pieces are meant to confront the boundaries in both the common perceptions of sculpture as it relates to actual body adornment and the materials used to create them. I incorporate materials such as, swivel hooks, garbage bags, zip ties and rubber cord into pieces that enhance the female form in ways that are carefree and playful. All relate to women's formalwear. Instead of drawing the viewer to a specific part of a woman's body, as would a bracelet or necklace, the form of the individual woman is central to the sculpture. The pieces range in complexity from elaborate accent pieces and partial ensemble to the complete evening gown.

Medium
Metal / Jewelry
 
 

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