Lana Crooks
June 9th, 2010
Lana Crooks spent her formative years in South Florida. During high school she was deemed most likely to become a pirate, and began to amass a seaworthy crew. The crew sailed to Savannah and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design. Lana pilfered herself a BFA in Illustration in twenty ought two. One day, on a whim, she made an expedition to Chicago and made it home, trading the ocean for a giant lake. Originally an illustrator, Captain Crooks eventually took to sewing and began work as a freelance costume designer. In what seems like a natural progression, plush became her main focus in 2007 with her Octoplush series; a series based on her love of cephalopods.
In 2008, Lana became the resident curator at A.Okay Official Gallery. In 2009, she partnered with the OhNo!Doom collective and opened a new gallery space. Her work has been seen at Munky King, Rivet, DVA, Rotofugi and Gallery 1988 to name a few. She has also worked with other artists to create crazy collaborations. And yes, Lana Crooks is her real name.
Lana will be working with Missmonster for Ladies and Gentlemonsters, an exhibition of pieces by the two artists, based around the idea of dapper monsters and creatures. Ladies and Gentlemonsters will open on June 19th, 2010 at Chicago’s Revolution Tattoo and Gallery, and closes at the end of July.
White Rabbit
19” x 11” x 11” – Wall hanging
Cotton, Corduroy, Faux Suede, Cotton, Fleece, Hand felted wool, Fiberfill, Glass, Wood and Metal
Originally created for the Go Ask Alice exhibit, now part of Ladies and Gentlemonsters
2010
Sir. Octo-posh
13” x 11” x 8”- Wall hanging
Fleece, Cotton, Felt, Hand felted wool, Faux fur, Fiberfill, Wood and Buttons
Created for Ladies and Gentlemonsters
2010
Dastardly
27” x 18” x 13” – Wall hanging
Faux Fur, Fleece, Corduroy, Faux Suede, Glass, Hand felted wool, Fiberfill, Clock-parts, metal buttons on Acrylic painted wood.
A collaborative piece with Missmonster for Ladies and Gentlemonsters
2010
Pandora’s Present (Thanks for the…)
24” x 21” x 15” – Freestanding
Fleece, Cotton and Fiberfill
Was included in Gallery 1988’s Monster Art Rally Show.
2009
Crane with Blossoms
30” x 40” x 12” – Wall hanging
Fleece, Micro fiber, Cotton, Hand felted wool, Feathers, Shell, Leather, Buttons and Fiberfill
Currently in the Ten Years Hunting Exhibit at Parkers Box Contemporary Art Gallery, Brooklyn
2008
More Info: Lana Crooks’ Crookedart