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| “Creating vessels is exhilarating for me. I enjoy working with natural materials, along with the challenge of experimenting with different forms. As a graphic designer, I am faced with creatively fulfilling client needs. As a fiber artist, I am faced only with my own creativity. I am influenced by the beauty and simplicity of forms and patterns found in nature, and the organic forms in primitive and indigenous art.” |
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Keely Berry-LeBlanc has distinguished herself among her peers with her unique style of vessels. Berry-LeBlanc’s vessels often have a playful, primitive feel, yet her techniques are those of a skilled artisan. Born in Baltimore, Berry-LeBlanc’s interest in all things artistic began in grammar school and continued throughout her primary education. Her pursuit of a visual arts career began at the Maryland Institute College of Art where she immersed herself in art while focusing on her Visual Communications major. In 1990, Berry-LeBlanc moved to San Diego continuing her professional career as a graphic designer. Finding that she missed the hands-on aspects of art, she began to explore different types of crafts though various classes. After several years of experimenting with pottery she realized that the creation of vessels was her true interest. In search of more portable mediums for making vessels, Berry-LeBlanc began her basketry journey. Creating gourd vessels was a natural extension of Berry-LeBlanc’s interest in basketry. The use of gourds allowed her to further expand her basketry techniques by embellishing an existing form. In 2001, Berry-LeBlanc was chosen from among 70 San Diego-area artisans to be featured on the Discovery Channel show Lynette Jennings, Design. The segment was filmed in in Berry-LeBlanc’s garden and includes a demonstration of her techniques for cleaning, cutting and embellishing gourd vessels. Berry-LeBlanc resides in Escondido with her husband Joe and a their two cats. |