Lawrence Naff

Biography

Lawrence Naff is a visual artist and jewelry designer based in Oklahoma City. Drawing on decoden-inspired techniques learned in Osaka, Japan, he creates glimmering mosaics by meticulously placing crystal rhinestones and gemstones onto various substrates. By juxtaposing manmade and natural materials, his work explores and challenges the perceived divide between technology and nature. Naff also draws inspiration from Art Deco architecture and geometric design.

Naff has displayed his work in Paseo’s Studio Six, 1219 Creative with Inclusion in Art, group shows such as Texas Artists Coalition’s Juried Show, Oklahoma Contemporary’s ArtNow, OVAC’s 12x12 and ARTSPACE at Untitled. Naff is currently represented by 1515 Lincoln Gallery in Oklahoma City.

Statement

My work fuses a childhood fascination with crystals and a lifelong love of electronics. While visiting Osaka, Japan during college, I was introduced to decoden—a contemporary craft trend centered on decorating electronic devices with jewels and embellishments. This discovery shaped my creative practice. By incorporating discarded electronics into my designs, I push back against planned obsolescence and invite reflection on our evolving relationship with machines and material culture. At the core of my work is a celebration of shimmer and light. Our innate attraction to glimmering surfaces, rooted in a primal draw to water, speaks to something universal. No matter the design, we are drawn by its kinetic dance with light.