Lane Grady
he/him
Bloomington, IN, USA
Lane Grady is a student in Indiana University’s Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design program. Growing up in Indiana, he was captivated by small often overlooked animals and other wildlife that quietly exists in the periphery of our daily lives. His artistic practice is deeply rooted in the natural world and the constant cycle of life and death accompanying it.
“My work incorporates roadkill to honor the individuality of animals that have met untimely ends. By transforming their physical remains into adornment, I preserve their legacy, ensuring they live on even after death. Combining these remains with precious metals and gemstones elevates them to a status akin to historical mourning jewelry, challenging traditional boundaries between human and animal life. My work invites viewers to reflect on the value we place on different forms of existence, encouraging a deeper contemplation of life, death, and the interconnectedness of all species.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“My piece relates to the theme of connection by highlighting the often unseen links between human life and the natural world. Roadkill is an unfortunate intersection between these two worlds. These animals symbolize the unintended consequences of our daily lives on wildlife and habitats. Through transforming their physical remains into adornment, I bring attention to their stories and remind viewers of our shared existence on this Earth.
My earrings of mummified squirrel paws honor a female squirrel who met an untimely end. Combining her physical remains with sterling silver and emeralds I seek to raise her to a status of one comparable to a highly respected human. The vibrant green emeralds, historically believed to possess protective qualities, serve as a symbol to protect her spirit in the afterlife, ensuring she is honored and remembered.
Through this work, I invite viewers to contemplate how our lives connect with those of animals around us. This piece inspires a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance we share with the natural world. Each individual animal serves a purpose for our environment and is incredibly important for keeping our world alive. By combining organic materials with precious metals I accentuate the beauty of fragility and urge onlookers to recognize the inherent value of every creature on Earth, no matter how small. Ultimately this piece serves as a reminder that we are all intertwined and connected simply by existing together in this world."
What role does connection play in your creative process?
“In my creative practice, I am constantly reminded of the interconnectedness of all plants and animals on Earth. Being heavily inspired by nature I seek to bridge the gap between modern human life and the natural world. I take time to enjoy nature and connect with the environment around me. Inspiration comes from my observations on nature, where small creatures and their quiet unnoticed stories resonate with my own experiences of being forgotten or overlooked.
In a literal sense, I physically connect objects from the natural world with precious metals and gemstones. By incorporating elements like bones, insect wings, and other natural objects with precious materials, I elevate these objects transforming them into art and adornment when they would have otherwise been neglected or left to decay.
Philosophically, connection is at the very root of my artistic intentions. The main reason I started creating art was to raise awareness about the connections we as humans have to the Earth around us. I work to help others understand that we are connected to the world in many different ways and by bringing this to the forefront, I hope to have the viewers contemplate how they treat the world and wildlife around them."
"Little Paws", sterling silver, .75" x .5" x 2.5", 2024What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“My queerness deeply shapes how I approach my art and connection to the world around me. As a bisexual transgender man, I find beauty in the overlooked details and forgotten narratives. This perspective deeply informs the work I am currently creating, especially on roadkill. I feel a kinship with these animals, often forgotten and on the periphery of everyone's lives usually met with an untimely end, much like queer stories that frequently go untold or are met with disregard. Keeping this in mind is integral to how I create my work.
My queerness also shapes how I interact with my community, being co-president of the Metalsmithing Guild at Indiana University I am always looking for opportunities to connect with local clubs and organizations centered around LGBTQ+ activism. Connecting with others is extremely important to me, especially with others who share my same circumstances. Creating a positive community where we can share our interests and be ourselves is crucial.
Ultimately, my queerness compels me to explore topics that are overlooked by the common populace. By exploring the complex intersections of life and death, loss, and the interconnectedness of all beings, I aim to encourage reflection on our shared existence. My identity encourages me to cultivate understanding and empathy for these often overlooked and forgotten pieces of our natural world."
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“All animal remains are ethically sourced from roadkill in Bloomington, Indiana"