KEITH LEWIS
selected works: 1988-1995
I am honored to present a group of important works by artist Keith Lewis, created between 1988 and 1995. This collection was carefully chosen by artist Heidi Endemann and her husband, Don, who were deeply moved by the profound themes embodied in Lewis's jewelry.
The late 1980s and early 1990s were an extremely intense and heart-wrenching time, marked by the AIDS crisis, which affected countless lives and sparked endless conversations about identity and resilience. During this period, Heidi and her husband were introduced to Keith Lewis's work at the former Susan Cummins Gallery in Mill Valley, California, and were struck by the strength both the artist and gallerist displayed in showcasing these works. As Heidi stated, “I was amazed by the courage it took.”
Each piece in this collection speaks to the power of Lewis’s artistic expression and its capacity to reflect the human experience. Although created to address a specific time, their message continues to resonate today.
Patti Bleicher Director, Gallery Loupe
perfection painfully d excessive bulk inspired at his own physique. At the ike figures informed by ward the elegance of classical An extremely attractive man, y Guy is one of my favorite ges my own mild body
managing to send an upbeat ss of AIDS. Again, Lewis uses ke creature who “enticingly ouse…looking like Diogenes… for something…” Lewis designates it as one of his personal favorites, “not only because it is funny to imagine this long-in-the-tooth fellow hornily trolling for sex… but because it advocates for sex and pleasure regardless of disease…” Bath Time is an amusing but honest appraisal of gay male identity, sex, love, and loneliness, against the backdrop of AIDS.
Thirty years have gone by since Bath Time was created. AIDS still exists, but the immediacy of the epidemic, as such, has passed. Treatments for the disease have been discovered and developed, and people who are HIV-positive are living long and productive lives. Lewis, himself, is tackling other concerns in his jewelry, although I doubt that sexuality and the hypocrisy so often surrounding it will ever be far from his heart, mind, and han sentiment, and memory, but his ou early works still relevant? Because “everyman” (and every woman). Re intention may have been saturated made; nonetheless, the fear, hope, and acceptance expressed so plain humans. Keith Lewis’ works from th the Roman sculpture he so ardentl
-- Toni Greenbaum, Brooklyn, New
Angry Sun, pin (1988)
Sterling Silver, 18K Gold, Liver-of-Sulfur Patina; 5 x 5 cm
Hermaphrodite, pin (1988)
Sterling Silver, 12 x 7 cm
Melancholy Face, pin (1988)
Sterling Silver, Sterling Silver/18K Gold Laminate, Cubic Zirconium; 6 x 3 cm
Dancing Man With Dancing Genitals, pin (1988)
Sterling Silver; 6x8 cm
Gee Bruce; What's That?, pin (1990)
Sterling Silver, 24K Plate, Nickel Silver, Cu, Liver-of-Sulfur Patina; 7x4 cm
Self Portrait With Sharp Hair, pin (1990) Brass, Sterling Silver, Cu, 24K Plate; 9x5 cm
,
Editing: Heart
pin (1991) Brass, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate, Liver-of-Sulfur Patina, Electrical Wires, Electrical Tape; 12x7 cm
Self Portrait With Things Not Holding, pin (1991)
Sterling Silver, Brass, 24K Gold Plate, 18K Gold, Plexiglass, Garnets, Cubic Zirconia; 9x5 cm
Filling in the Broad Outlines; pin (1991) Brass, Silver Plate, Epoxy, Hair (human (pubic and head), dog), Cu/Brass Shavings, Sawblades, Dirt; 18 x 8 cm
Just A Few Pricks, pin (1992) Brass, Cu, Silver Plate, Nickle Silver, Paint, Silicon Caulk, Sewing Needle, Bronze Powder; 7x5 cm
For Chris McManus, 1992
Cu, brass, sterling silver, nickel silver, 24-karat gold plate, paint, glass,24-karat gold leaf, beach stones, jet mourning bead; 12.50x3cm
Naked Blue Pimply Fat Guy, neckpiece, 1993
Electroformed Cu, Sterling Silver, Patina, Steel; 25 cm diameter
Triumphant Figure With Willow Wreath, pendant. (1994)
Electroformed Cu, Sterling Silver, 24K Au Plate, Steel; 25 cm diameter
Well Doug, It's 36 Now... (Self Portrait in Memory of Doug DeSimone), pin (1994) Sterling Silver, Steel, Willow, Pigment, Epoxy Resin; 5x7 cm
Bath Time, pin (1995)
Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, 24K Gold Plate; 5 x 7 cm
