Jeff Key

Theories of Evolution

2026-09-26T20:45:20.794-07:00

The “100 Vessel Series” explores factors that have affected the course of evolution from volcanoes to viruses, asteroids to authoritarianism and climate change to chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

"Vessel #20—Right Arm" Wood & Flax, 84" x 70" x 22"

Are these sculptures remnants of the ancient past or harbingers of future transformations? Are they subatomic particles or are they inhabitants of the galactic universe?

"Vessel #83—On/Off " Wood & Flax, 40" x 17" x 6"

“Theories of Evolution”—Where we came from?—Where are we now? and Where are we headed? look at these questions through a lens focused on science, theology and cultural/social anthropology.

"Vessel #43—Boundaries" Wood, 42" x 42" x 12"

To see more of Jeff Key's artwork:

Website: http://www.jeffmkey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/

"The Vessel Series—Theories of Evolution"

2026-09-07T09:08:56.671-07:00

The work on view at the Orchard Galleries is from

a 30+ year sculptural project entitled,
“100 Vessels—Theories of Evolution.”

The sculptures from this series, although abstract in nature, make allusion to the vessel, a cross-cultural, and at times totemic form which represents human presence and the cycle of life.

The pieces in the “Vessel Series” are constructs or hybrids—addressing and incorporating both natural/biological and technical/industrial factors

In examining questions of evolution I have taken into consideration aspects of birth and death, rites of passage, war and power, transportation, shelter, communication, and climate change.

When the delicate balance holding these elements together tips due to human intervention and degradation, these systems lose touch with the Earth’s harmony and develop threats to the evolution of species, ecosystems, and coexistence on the planet.

"Vessel #52—Stride" Wood, 28" x 60" x 49"

The pieces are constructed with repurposed wood and flax, a natural plant fiber. For health and political reasons I stopped using toxic materials when I began the “Vessel Series.

"Vessel #92—Scherzo" Wood & Flax, 27" x 333" x 42"

It is my hope that the work will inspire a viewer to ask their own questions and look at the world with a new set of parameters. I see my work not as a body of definable theories but as a vessel of suppositions—to be pondered and chewed with a grain of salt and a cup of wonder.

To see more of Jeff Key's artwork:

Website: http://www.jeffmkey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/

Fire & Water—Summer 2026

2026-08-21T23:34:11.157-07:00

It's the summer of 2026—And the heat keeps rising.

On June 23rd the hottest temperature on earth—124º F. was recorded at Bostan, Iran while Las Vegas and Phoenix basked at 116º F. Wildfires are still raging in Canada, Europe, Australia and Brazil. Over 5 million acres of land have burned across the United States. Some of the world’s largest rivers—the Danube, the Rhine the Mississippi and the Amazon are all experiencing low-water levels.

In step with abnormal weather patterns floods have caused extensive damage in Spain, Italy, the Philippines, Japan, India, China, Peru, parts of the Midwest and Northeastern United States, and El Niño has arrived in the Pacific giving birth to Hurricane Lala as she thrashes Hawaii.

"Vessel # 94—Coda". Wood & Flax, 30" x 12" x 18"

As UN Climate Chief, Simon Stiell, said: “Worsening droughts are a red alert that our planet is overheating. Until humanity stops burning huge amounts of coal, oil and gas, these brutal climate-driven droughts will only get more severe. But the solutions are just as clear: move much faster to renewable energy."

.....and in the words of one of our favorite

summertime bands, The Beach Boys:

“It's the eve of destruction, or so they say, but mankind doesn't have
to go that way. If we all get together, we can make things right—
Get us back our summer—summer in paradise.”
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To see an artist’s interpretation of Theories of Evolution
and how our actions are affecting the planet, check out
Jeff Key’s exhibition— "The Vessel Series" at
The Orchard Galleries in Oakland from September 12-October 24.

To see more of Jeff Key's artwork:

Website: http://www.jeffmkey.com

Blog: https://jeffmkey-art.blogspot.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmkey/