Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi is a “2008 Art in the Round Contest” participant.

Stoneware vessels by Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi (copyright Laurie P. Eskenazi)

Artist’s Statement:  I am a ceramic artist from the Midwest.  While a student at the Art Institute of Chicago, I explored many different mediums but found myself always returning to the pliable, tactile qualities of clay.  Inspiration is drawn from memories of items found on my Grandmother’s dresser and old quilts. 

I am intrigued by the surprise of tiny flowers, moss and vines nestled in the crevices of an old stone wall in France, and the patterns of plowed fields and old barn siding seen along the country roads in Iowa.  These visions are planted deep in my soul and they come to the surface while I am working in the studio. 

Most of my pieces are hand built in stoneware clay.  For larger works, I start the form on a potter’s wheel, alter it and add a series of coils and slabs to finish.  I create pattern and texture by pressing lace, vintage textiles, and hand carved stamps into the clay while it is still wet.  Glazes are painted by hand with small brushes to create a mosaic look, and the piece is fired in a kiln.

My work is distinguished by a vibrant pallet, lush with intricate detail and whimsy.  My pottery has a feminine, playful touch that speaks to contemporary sensibilities while recalling romantic memories from a time past.

Artistic Resume:

Education -

• BFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Recent Awards -

• 2007, 3rd Place, St. James Court Art Show, 3rd Street, Louisville, KY
• 2007, Award of Excellence, College Hill Arts Festival, Cedar Falls, IA
• 2007, 1st Place Ceramics, Hinsdale Fine Art Fair, Hinsdale, IL
• 2006, Dee Pastemak Spirit of the Arts Award, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville, IL
• 2006, Best of 3D Functional, Art at The Glen Town Center, Glenview, IL
• 2006, Award of Excellence, Gold Coast Art Fair, Chicago, IL
• 2006, 1st Place Ceramics, Hinsdale Fine Art Fair, Hinsdale, IL
• 2006, 1st Place Covered Jar Competition, College of DuPage, Lombard, IL
• 2005, Best Naperville Area Artist, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville, IL
• 2005, Award of Excellence, Art In Your Eye, Batavia, IL
• 2005, Award of Excellence, Midsummer Arts Faire, Quincy, IL
• 2004, 1st Place, Geneva Fine Art Fair, Geneva, IL
• 2003, 1st Place Ceramics, Hinsdale Fine Art Fair, Hinsdale, IL
• 2002, 1st Place, NWC Fine Art Fair, Naperville, IL

Recent Exhibitions -

• 2007, Through the Looking Glass:  An Adventure into Contemporary Ceramics
• October 2007, Artist of the Month, Barnstone Gallery, Phoenixville, PA
• April 2007, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando, FL
• February 2006, Featured Artist, AnamArt Gallery, Naperville, IL
• June 2005, Portfolia:  Exhibits of fine art inspired by nature, Morton Arboretum Visitors Center, Lisle, IL

Selected Juried Art Shows -

• 2008 Buyers Market of American Craft, Philadelphia, PA
• May 2007-2008, ACRE, Las Vegas, NV
• June 2002-2008, Hinsdale Arts Festival, Hinsdale, IL
• June 2008, Glencoe Festival of the Masters, Glencoe, IL
• September 1997-08, NWC Fine Art Fair, Naperville, IL
• July 2007-08, College Hill Arts Festival, Cedar Falls, IA
• August 2007-2008, Port Clinton Art Festival, Highland Park, IL
• September 1998-2008, Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Naperville, IL
• October 2007-2008, St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, KY
• February 2007, Mt. Dora Arts Festival, Mt. Dora, FL
• March 2007, Naples 5th Ave Show, Naples, FL
• March 2007, Bonita Springs/Estero Festival of the Arts, Bonita Springs, FL
• July 2002-2007, Geneva Fine Art Fair, Geneva, IL
• August 2006-2007, Gold Coast River North Art Fair, Chicago, IL
• August 2006-2007, Art at the Glen, Glenview, IL

Public Collections -

• 2006, installation of a mosaic bench, DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville, IL,
• 1989, ceramic pieces made for a hands on exhibit, Spertus Museum, Chicago, IL

 

Visit my website!

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