Kelly Akashi

Kelly Akashi is a renowned artist based in Los Angeles, celebrated for her diverse artistic practice that spans various mediums, including sculpture, glass, photography, bronze, and stone. Her work often explores themes of impermanence and memory, deeply engaging with the relationship between the body and the natural world. By drawing from traditional craft techniques and material processes, Akashi creates pieces that resonate with emotions and experiences.

Her work, Monument (Heirloom) 2026 is a stunning sculpture that was showcased at Lisson Gallery in New York from 13 May to 25 July 2026. This piece delves into ideas of memory and inheritance, embodying the emotional connections that personal objects can hold. In the aftermath of the devastating Eaton Fire in Los Angeles, which claimed Akashi’s home and studio, the ‘Monument (Heirloom) 2026’ emerged as a poignant response to loss and the enduring spirit of what remains.

Weighing around 300 pounds and crafted from high-polish stainless steel and hand-carved Lemurian Blue Granite, the sculpture finely balances themes of permanence and fragility. Its physical presence captures the intricacies of texture and detail that reflect both the artist's vision and the genuine character imparted by the materials. The collaborative effort in its creation was crucial, as the original ring was lost in the fires, leading to a reimagining of its form through a digital sculpting process, cementing the collective nature of its revival.

The process involved close collaboration between Akashi, our Rock Tavern team, and Quarra Stone, which was essential for translating the essence of the work into its physical manifestation. Through multiple conversations and iterations, the piece transformed from a low-resolution reference into a crafted sculpture that honours the artist's intent. Our Design and Project Management teams meticulously refined the surface quality, ensuring that the final piece encapsulated the balance of precision and the inherent irregularities that contribute to its distinct character.