Meet the Maker: Lesley Aine McKeown

You're invited! Please join us for a wine and cheese welcoming reception for the very talented Lesley Aine McKeown from Prescott, Arizona. Get to know the artist, see her beautiful work and mingle with other students, shop her gorgeous jewelry and tour the studio. Non-students welcome! Wine and cheese reception provided.

“Creating is a process constantly in motion, one that keeps the maker searching for balance. I hope to create work that provokes thought. Bordering between sculpture and jewelry each is thoughtful in design and construction representing a meaning deeper than aesthetics.”

Using low-tech traditional metal smithing techniques and tools, each piece is created in Lesley’s studio in the tradition of the American Studio Art Jewelry movement of the 1940’s through the 60’s, which dictates that the work is created entirely in the artist’s studio. Her work is hand fabricated in precious metals, sterling, high carat gold, designer cabochons and gemstones.

Biography

Creating jewelry since 1984, Lesley is the daughter of two professional artists. An artistically rich environment that molded her vision and ethic. Lesley's jewelry reflects a dedication to excellence in craft and attention to narrative. Each piece is unique with the intent to evoke conversation and represent the wearers personal expression. Lesley is currently exploring deep sculptural constructions with a botanical narrative.

Lesley lives and works in the high desert mountains of northern Arizona.

Recent Exhibitions

2024

Adorned Spaces Exhibition - SNAG Conference. June 5-8, Society of North American Goldsmiths

Bring on the Gems - Snag@Tucson Exhibition. Feb 1-3 Society of North American Goldsmiths

2023

WE ARE SNAG - Anthology Ed 3 , 2023, Society of North American Goldsmiths

Bring on the Gems - SNAG @ Tucson.  Feb 1-4, 2023.  Exhibition live and virtual , Society of North American Goldsmiths

Small Objects - Arizona Designer Art & Craft - April 1- July 31. Tucson, Arizona

Written in Stone - Natural History Institute, Prescott, Arizona. April 28- July 14.

Publications

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Interweave - Jewelry - November 18, 2017

Advice on Being a Professional Jewelry Artist from Lesley McKeown

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ShoutOut HTX - December 2020

Meet the Artist- Lesley Aine McKeown

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Tucson Gem Show Guide - 2020