Jace Laakso
About the Artist
I was born and raised in rural Northeastern Connecticut. My father was a carpenter and my mother raised chickens. I contracted polio as an infant and have worn a leg brace ever since. I have a love/hate relationship with this orthopedic device.
I received a BFA from the University of Montana with emphasis in metal working/jewelry and printmaking. My work has shown in galleries in Missoula, Spokane, Minneapolis, Key West, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, New York and Massachusetts.
Artist Statement
The Pain/Pleasure Syndrome sculpture series is a reaction to how braces have shaped my life. Using my old worn out braces as a starting point, they combine sharp and painful edges with smooth curved metal. These sculptures have helped me come to terms with what it really means to have a disability and have allowed me to move ahead in my artistic journey.