Lanny Bergner (born in Anacortes, WA, 1952) is a mixed-media metal mesh sculptor with a body of work ranging from small basketry to large-scale installations.
He creates his sculptural works using industrially woven stainless steel and copper mesh that he cuts into shapes and flame paints with a butane and/or propane torch. He then hand models the mesh creating bas-relief accentuating the flame painted design. With linesman pliers he connects the mesh together transforming the material into three-dimensional semi-transparent biomorphic and geometric constructions. He finishes each piece by hand-stitching seams with coated wire.
The resulting forms reference the natural world, both micro and macro. Plant biology, undersea creatures, cellular structures, earth geology and otherworldly cosmology inspire his creations. His visually intricate works engage the viewer with glimpses into a universe where nature and manmade materials coalesce while celebrating the mystery and wonder of it all.
Mr. Bergner received his M.F.A. in sculpture from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, in 1983 after earning a B.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Washington in 1981. His work is in numerous museum collections including the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC; Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA; Museum of Art and Design, NY, NY; Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA and the Central Museum of Textile, Łódź, Poland.
In 1995 he was the recipient of the Betty Bowen Memorial Award administered by the Seattle Art Museum, and in 2005 he was awarded a Gold Prize at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in Cheongju, Korea. In 2010 he was one of five American artists who exhibited in the 13th International Triennial of Tapestry in Łódź, Poland.
In 2023 Mr. Bergner was invited to lend five of his sculptures for display in the “Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses” retrospective at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the Palais du Louvre, Paris, France. The exhibition runs through April 28, 2024.
In addition to his studio practice and exhibition schedule he has taught workshops at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN and at Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, PA as well as at several National Basketry Organization Conferences. Internationally he has taught workshops at Geelong Fibre Forum in Victoria, Australia, and at Timeless Textiles in Newcastle, Australia.
Lanny Bergner has worked with metal mesh since 1983 and maintains a studio on Fidalgo Island near Anacortes, WA.