"Little Valentine"

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

"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 my studio. "

While a student at the Art Institute of Chicago, Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi explored many different mediums but found herself always returning to the pliable, tactile qualities of clay.She draws inspiration from memories of items found on her grandmother's dresser, old quilts, and button boxes. Her pottery has a feminine, playful touch that speaks to contemporary sensibilities.

Most of the artist's pieces are hand built in stoneware clay. Eskenazi creates 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. Her work is distinguished by a vibrant pallet, lush with intricate detail and whimsy.

Eskenazi studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.