LAWRENCE NAFF

“I want others to see what I see inside a computer or crystal. Design of technology and nature are more linked than we think.”

BIOGRAPHY

Lawrence Naff is a visual artist and jewelry designer based in Oklahoma City. Drawing on decoden-inspired techniques learned in Osaka, Japan, he creates glimmering mosaics by meticulously placing crystal rhinestones and gemstones onto various substrates. By juxtaposing manmade and natural materials, his work explores and challenges the perceived divide between technology and nature. Naff also draws inspiration from Art Deco architecture and geometric design.

His work has been exhibited at Studio Six in the Paseo Arts District, 1219 Creative with Inclusion in Art, group exhibitions such as the Texas Artists Coalition Juried Show, Oklahoma Contemporary’s ArtNow, OVAC’s 12x12, and ARTSPACE at Untitled.

ARTIST INSIGHTS

How are your background and life experiences connected to your art?

Playing games and watching anime as a kid, I kept seeing recurring themes of crystals having magical powers. This started a fascination with geology and crystals. In college, a friend from Osaka showed me how I could embellish devices with crystal rhinestones. Very soon after I fused these two concepts together.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

Gustav Klimt, Elisa Insua, Theo Kamecke, Bruce Goff, and Lee Mullican.

How have you developed your artist career?

I've developed my career by learning history and taking advice from others who are more experienced in the industry.

What does your artistic work intend to communicate to its audience?

Most of my work does not intend to communicate a specific message but has a mood that seems to translate well. When the work is based on commentary, the title will usually imply it.

Does your work comment on any current social or political issues?

To date I've had a few pieces comment on social issues. Occasionally I'm motivated to express my opinions through my work. The majority of the work does not comment on any issues.

Do you have a particular story that stands out from your career as an artist?

My first gallery sale. When I first started as an artist, I hadn't visited many galleries before I was in my first group exhibition. A group of my friends attended in support. As we decided to leave we looked inside and saw one of the staff members approach my work and put a red sticker on it. I asked my friends, "They put a sticker on it! What does that mean?" moments later it was being removed from the wall and packaged for the buyer. It was my first sale. I like this story because it reminds me of an earlier time in my career where I didn't even know what a red dot meant. I'm still learning things but I've come a long way from what I knew then to what I know now.

What is one thing you would like your audience to know about you?

There isn't one constant source of inspiration. Sometimes I literally wake up with a design in mind and quickly jot it down or I see something as simple as a root and feel inspired to create.

Which current art world trends are you following?

It's hard to find exact peers in my style of work, I try to follow new ideas for interacting with other artists online and purchase contemporary art magazines to get an idea of what's happening in the industry.

Why have you chosen to sell your work in the 1515 Lincoln Gallery?

1515 Lincoln Gallery is a tranquil place to visit. Susan is relaxing to have a conversation with but I also credit the work she's selected to surround the space. It makes one feel at ease.

What do you believe makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries?

1515 Lincoln Gallery isn't intimidating and it allows you to easily imagine the work in your own home.

WATCH

Watch “Time lapse Tuesday Pyrite 3” by Lawrence Naff

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work fuses a childhood fascination with crystals and a lifelong love of electronics. While visiting Osaka, Japan, during college, I was introduced to decoden—an art form centered on decorating electronic devices with jewels and embellishments. This discovery shaped my creative practice. By incorporating discarded electronics into my designs, I push back against planned obsolescence and invite reflection on our evolving relationship with machines and material culture. At the core of my work is a celebration of shimmer and light. Our innate attraction to glimmering surfaces, rooted in a primal draw to water, speaks to something universal. No matter the design, we are drawn by its kinetic dance with light.

“There isn’t one constant source of inspiration. Sometimes I literally wake up with a design in mind and quickly jot it down or I see something as simple as a root and feel inspired to create.”