Kathleen Yano Lapso is a second-generation metal sculptor. My father was a metal sculptor, and I started going to shows with him when I was 8 years old. I am very fortunate to be the youngest of 6 children and the only girl; having 5 older brothers, my father made sure that I could do whatever they could. I learned to weld when I was 12 and worked in his studio throughout my teenage years; they were some of the best times of my life. With no heat in his studio, working in a dirty metalworking shop during the Northeast Ohio winters, no one could tell me from my dad when I had on my thermals, hat and respirator. My father was also a POW during WWII for 1 ½ years – he is and always will be my hero. I loved and respected him tremendously. He did talk somewhat about the war and I could listen to him for hours!! He was a great storyteller.
In 1984, I graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I worked in the intensive care unit in hospitals throughout Cleveland, but I had always been drawn to metalworking. So, in 1985, as a hobby I started a line of jewelry and had my first art show. In time, the work grew larger and larger into what it is today – I like to call it “Jewelry for Walls.”
I create my sculptures using copper, aluminum, brass, and bronze, and weld them with an oxygen/acetylene torch. All the colors are created using many patinas, dyes, paints and heat.
I do all my own designing, metal work, matting and framing. No assistants or apprentices are used.
Kathleen
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