Bullets tell the Story, brass and acrylic paint, 2024
Bullets tell the Story, brass and acrylic paint, 2024
Flag of Flowers, Ceramic Sculpture, 2024
The Things We Bury, Wood and Granite Sculpture, 2024
The Things We Bury, Wood and Granite Sculpture, 2024
[BFA] Studio Art – Sculpture
I work in large scale sculptures that emphasize the lasting and unseen effects of military service. Many Veterans suffer from anxiety, depression, self-harm, and PTSD. I have dealt with some myself while also witnessing other Veterans suffer. I create art that visualizes the hardships Veterans live with, many of which often go unspoken. I hope wherever my work is, it will provide a safe space to have difficult conversations about Veteran experiences.
My sculptures contain a lot of small objects that collectively create one bigger piece. The military is a cohesive organization made up of many individuals working as one. My intention is to represent people coming together, no matter their differences, to serve a greater cause. The idea of labor and the process it takes to transform hard materials in a meticulous way is physically demanding. Creating art has brought a tremendous amount of healing to my life. The process becomes therapeutic to me by offering time to calm my mind and process my thoughts while my hands work. Using symbolism allows me to suggest emotions and thoughts in an indirect way that might not be noticed right away, but hopefully opens the possibility of a conversation. Although my work addresses the hidden and traumatic effects of miliary service, I hope to also portray the noble and selfless actions of everyone who has served and is currently serving.
Luke Keilig is completing a BFA in Studio Art with an option in sculpture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an expected graduation of December of 2024. After serving four years in the United States Army, he pursued a university education. He works in large scale sculptures that emphasize the lasting and unseen effects of military service. His work has been in exhibitions in the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery including the 37th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition and is scheduled for the Capstone Exhibition and 38th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition. University of Nebraska’s news service, Nebraska Today, published a story about his experiences and his work. Keilig’s honors include the Howard and Vreeland Award nomination and Elgas Promise Award nomination, two Elgas Project Grants, Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) for two years, Anderson Ranch Scholarship, and the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Scholarly and Creative Activity Grant.
@keilig_studio