lesleyainemckeown.com
Prescott, AZ. USA
Born in Kansas City not long after both her parents graduated from KC Art Institute, Lesley was exposed to art and design at an early age. Her father created studio art jewelry during the modern jewelry art movement of the 1960's and Lesley uses his jewelry bench today. Her mother is an nationally recognized sculptor. It was this nurturing environment that enabled her to recognize her intuitive abilities and eventually express those creative proclivities and develop the skills to be a successful professional artist. Acquiring basic metal smithing skills as an apprentice with a southwestern silversmith she became smitten with the silver and the sculptural possibilities of metal.
Though primarily self- taught, Lesley has attended several classes and acquired various techniques through private and master class instruction. Her techniques include fabrication, hollow form, shell form, anit-clastic and synclastic raising, mokume gane, keumboo, etching, roller printing, sand casting and a variety of texture and coloration techniques. An abiding interest in Geology is a the core of many of Lesley's creations, the unique and unusual cabochons are a signature of her work.
Continually exploring new methods of manipulating metal, Lesley also works in steel and has been commissioned for several architectural projects. In her spare time she is an avid organic gardener, painter, environmental advocate and cook. She maintains a home and studio in the lovely high mountains of northern Arizona which she shares with her partner Steven and Samson (the Wonder Dachshund).
Materials: Brazilian Agate, Sterling Silver, 24kt Gold, Freshwater Pearl
Dimensions: 2.25" x 2.50"
Brazilian Druzy Agate set in hand fabricated prong setting. Patinated and accented with 24kt gold keumboo. Freshwater Pearl.
Photo credit: Lesley McKeown
