Lauren Markley combines traditional metalsmithing skills with alternative techniques such as stitching through metal. Her work explores themes of architecture and history through a visual vocabulary that includes structural shapes and textures evocative of unfinished states and states of decay. Markley’s work is fabricated primarily of sterling silver, brass, and reclaimed wood. She often uses textiles, paint, patinas, and gold leaf to create focal points. Markley studied metalsmithing at Studio Jewelers LTD in New York and has taken courses at Penland School of Crafts, Pullen Arts Center, and Pocosin Arts.