Check Out Lesley Aine Mckeown’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesley Aine Mckeown.

Hi Lesley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
My artistic journey began from the time I could walk. Raised by two professional artists, my sensory environment was rich with stimulation. I believe this taught me to see and ask questions and, most importantly, to problem-solve. I remember being very interested in how things were made. In 1979, my family moved to Sedona, AZ.. and opened an Arts and Crafts gallery.

The natural beauty coupled with constant exposure to the best artisans in America, opened my eyes to possibilities and an appreciation for excellence. Finding my muse took some time. I worked various jobs, one making authentic reproductions of plains Indian artifacts for a small museum and working with rawhide, leather, and natural pigments, it was a blast.

Then, in 1982, I was offered a job working for a local silversmith in Sedona. I quickly fell in love with the immediacy of metal. Its malleability was too enticing. My employment developed into an apprenticeship that formed the foundation for my career. I opened my first professional studio in 1984, creating contemporary art jewelry. Jump forward 40 years, and I feel so blessed to have made a living from my passion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of an artist is rarely smooth. It is the nature of creativity to be consistently challenged. I think the biggest challenge is the business aspect of the art business. I was lucky, I learned the art business from my parents, whose artistic vision allowed them to support the work of other artists and provide them a venue for their own work.

I learned to approach my art as a job, to pay as much attention to the marketing and financial part of my work as the actual jewelry making. I started before the internet was really a thing and social media did not exist. Today, the internet and social media are crucial and required skills for any successful business.

If I could share insights from my 4o years career, it would be to pay just as much attention to the business part of your art as you do to making it. Also, continue to learn and seek out teachers who are masters at the technique you wish to learn.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work has always been a result of my current interests and an exploration of the technical aspects of making jewelry. I make one-of-a-kind art jewelry; what is art jewelry? Art jewelry is the exploration of traditional techniques in new ways, the expression of conceptual insights beyond that of simple ornamentation.

This approach allows me to explore and create bodies of work within a narrative, to deeply explore those ideas and how I can express them in metal. I am not restrained by a look or style. I can make what interests me and am blessed with collectors that embrace my journey. It is liberating to create free from influence and industry standards.

I believe in striving for excellence in craft and artistic expression. I have often been asking, “What is our favorite piece?” my answer is always “the next one.” That epitomizes my feelings about my work. Creating is a journey, a process constantly in motion. If I was to describe what I specialize in it would be work that continues to push boundaries, provokes thought, and represents a meaning deeper than simple aesthetics.

For the past 20 years, I have been teaching art jewelry. My approach is from a process perspective as opposed to the trend of project-based learning. I absolutely love helping others how understand their creative process and develop skills that aid them in accessing inspiration consistently. I teach them how to see, think about their creativity, and express it in an authentic way.

It is a holistic way of creating that encompasses all aspects of one’s life. My classes also focus on refining technical skills and identifying and achieving personal goals. I am humbled when students entrust me with their creativity, and so very proud of work they achieve. There are so many deeply talented art jewelers; I am proud when my work is recognized by my peers as worthy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lesleyainemckeown.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleyainemckeown/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesley.a.mckeown
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyainemckeown/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lesleyainemckeown