Cal Lane | Modern Lace

Adventures in Time & Lace

I wish I had thought of the idea of creating lace work with a blowtorch! As you know, I’m a massive fan of lace being created & used in new & surprising ways. Visual artist Cal Lane uses her expert welding skills to burn delicate traditional lace patterns into reclaimed steel objects with a blow torch. I am totally loving the dichotomy Lane creates in her sculpture work.  Lane is exploring all sorts of contradictions & contrasts in her work – industrial and domestic; masculine and feminine; strong and delicate; practical and frivolous; ornament and function, the list is endless! I love the way she is challenging stereotypes, expectations & conventions.

Cal Lane via Art Mur
Cal Lane | Modern Lace
Cal Lane Car Bombing via Art Mur

In her artist biography we learn that to date, her pieces stand alone in capturing a delicacy and intricacy quite apart from her closest contemporaries. Lane’s tapestries, cut into harsh and often preternaturally large steel and iron structures, are sensual, alluring and deeply effeminate. 

Cal Lane | Modern Lace
Cal Lane via Art Mur

Lane says The metaphor of lace further intrigued me by its associations of hiding and exposing at the same time; like a veil to cover, or lingerie to reveal. It also introduces a kind of humor through the form of unexpected relationships. Like a Wrestler in a tutu, the absurdity of having opposing extremist stances is there for reaction and not rational understanding; the rational discussion arises in the search for how one thing defines the other by its proximity.

Cal Lane | Modern Lace
Cal Lane Ammunition Box via Art Mur
Cal Lane | Modern Lace
Cal Lane via Sara Barnes, Beautiful/Decay

To explore more of her incredible work visit Lane’s website.

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