Lisa Belsky

Each piece begins as hand knit or crocheted fabric. The fabric is manipulated, shaped and then dipped into porcelain slip. During the firing process the original fabric burns away leaving behind a ceramic remnant or record of what was once there. The stitches, now preserved as clay, have become the structure and texture of the new object.

I am intrigued by the way the stitch patterns and tactile quality of the handmade fabric translates into clay. A natural movement occurs during the firing process that can result in collapse, split seams, folding and slumping. I embrace and welcome these changes when they occur and view them as an important part of the work.

Knitting and crocheting was passed down through generations of women in my family and has been an important part of my life since childhood. The act of knitting and crocheting provides me with a strong sense of nostalgia and a connection to family. I view this body of work as a metaphor for embracing change while preserving memories and traditions.

— Lisa Belsky

Lisa Belsky is a ceramic artist and art educator currently living and working in Columbus Ohio. Originally from Philadelphia, Pa, she received her BFA from Tyler School of Art (Temple University) in 2004 and her MFA from Ohio State University in 2008.

Her artwork explores the intersection between fiber and clay, using hand knit crocheted cotton dipped in porcelain slip. Knitting and crocheting has been an important part of her life since childhood and was passed down through generations of women in her family.

In 2016 Lisa was a co-recipient of the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Individual Artist Fellowship Award and is one of Ceramics Monthly Magazine’s Emerging Artists for 2017. She recently received the 2017 award for Excellence in Clay at the 41 Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.