Lesley Keeble

I create captivating mixed media figurative sculptures. One of a kind paper clay heads are hand sculpted,modeled and carved then dehydrated to produce a lightweight , but very strong character head. A gossamer silk skin is applied over the head and finished with colored pencil details.Emotionally compelling facial expressions,eclectic costuming and magnificent color harmonies are combined with fine craftsmanship learned as a former jeweler. Within the context of the human face and figure I seek to illustrate the universal emotions of vulnerability, tenderness and melancholy.

Recycled woven straw,real garden gourds,industrial rubber O-Rings,vintage bone buttons and lawn chair replacement tape are materials juxtaposed with classic natural fibers in unexpected harmony. I am inspired by circus costumes, classic 1940`s pin-up art, naughty bustiers,garden vegetables, and the human desire for love ,affection and humor.

Shows and Exhibitions 2010

May

Gatlinburg Crafts Show

Gatlinburg ,Tennessee

Doll Demonstration- more info later

June 7-29

Through the Rabbit Hole - invitational show

The Carrabus Historic Courthouse Galleries

Concord,NC

Artist Reception on June 25, 6-9pm

July 19-21

Annual Niada Conference/Show and Sale

International Figurative art conference open to non- members .register at www.niada.org

Chicago,Illinois

Hotel location to be announced shortly

September 3-25

Humor Theme PCI Members Show-all media

Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery

601 North Trade Street

Winston-Salem NC

November19-21

Piedmont Craftsmen`s 47th Fair

Benton Convention Center

Winston -Salem,NC

Booth # ?

Teaching

August 8-14

Small Dolls-Big Fun

The John C. Campbell Folk School

Brasstown,NC

Small dolls are fun to make and relatively fast to complete .

Learn to sculpt paper clay heads and create multiples of your best efforts using flexible silicone molds. Go home with lots of heads to finish later and at least one 6-8 inch fully costumed doll.

See Folk School Catalog for complete class description.

Books and Magazine Articles with my work:

500 Handmade Dolls - 2007, Lark Books

Cover art plus five additional pieces

An international compliation of contemporary figurative art curated by Akira Blount.

Divided by media.

NIADA Art Dolls -Rich Traditions ,New Ideas

2009, Niada Foundation and The Susan Quinlan Doll and Bear Museum

A comprehensive history of Niada`s founding artists through the present international artist membership. Curated by recent president Shelly Thornton.

pages 102,103,114,130

Order directly from www.niada.org

Art Doll Quarterly, February 2010

pages 26-31 ,feature illustrated article

Designing a Cohesive Body of Work by L.Keeble

Contemporary Doll Collector, November 2008

pages24-25

Dollmakers of theSoutern Highland Craft Guild

by Chandra Cerchione-Peltier

Doll,The International Doll Collector`s Magazine

August/September 06

Making Dolls Come Alive With Color

Feature article byVirginia Davis

Illustrated with early work dated 2005