Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

"I find joy in the anticipation of opening the kiln, when hours of work and design culminate in a finished piece, and in seeing smiles as people discover my work for the first time."

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi’s work is about pattern, texture, and a bit of nostalgia. Inspired by old crazy quilts, button boxes, antique textiles, pieces of lace, and other oddities found at the flea market. She gives these finds new life by incorporating the vintage designs into contemporary stoneware pieces. Both Laurie’s Grandmother and Great Grandmother were talented needleworkers. As a little girl, Laurie would spend time admiring the things on her Grandmother’s dresser and in her home. Her Great Grandmother was a weaver and created wonderful rag rugs from old clothing and fabrics. Laurie sees her work as paying homage to the women who came before her while recalling romantic memories from a time past.

A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Laurie has worked almost exclusively in clay for more than 30 years. Striving for a non-manicured, somewhat organic look, she layers impressions taken from embroidery, lace, buttons, and handmade stamps into stoneware clay. Her work is somewhat spontaneous and possesses a feminine, playful touch. Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi is perhaps most notably collected for her mastery of glaze patterning and critical attention to detail. Her pallet is lush and vibrant, with rich earthy undertones.

Laurie works full time in her studio occupying a coach house, next to the Victorian home where she lives in West Chicago, IL. Her work can be found in shops and galleries throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy.

Laurie's pottery pieces are made of stoneware clay and all glazes are food safe. They are dishwasher safe, although hand washing is recommended to avoid breakage. Garden pieces should be brought inside when temperatures get below 35 degrees.