Leah Leitson

Responding to Touch: Thrown and Altered Porcelain Pouring Vessels

Course Description
Working with porcelain, participants will explore manipulating the form of freshly thrown pots. This class will focus on the expressive quality of the pouring vessel. We will explore the possibilities of making teapots, pitchers, creamers, and cruets using wheel thrown and combined parts. Paying attention to form and detail, techniques and ideas will be directed towards the making of handles, spouts, and lids. Through discussion, demonstrations, and slide presentations, Leah will offer new ideas in an adventurous, playful, and creative atmosphere. Surface decoration will include working with slips and carving. Bisque firing only.

Skill Level
Participants should have experience in working with clay.

Artist's Biography
Leah Leitson is a studio potter who lives and works in Asheville, North Carolina. She is a member of the Piedmont Craftsmen, Inc. and the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Leah received her B.F.A. in ceramics from New York State College of Ceramics, in Alfred, New York, in 1984 and her M.F.A. in ceramics from Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, in 1996. She conducts workshops throughout the U.S., and is currently on the faculty of Warren Wilson College, in Asheville, North Carolina. Leah's work is exhibited in galleries across the country, including the Collection of the Gallery of Art & Design, North Carolina State University, The Roger Corsaw Collection of Ceramic Art at the State College of Ceramics in Alfred, New York, the Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana, and at Louisiana State University School of Art Museum, Baton Rouge, LA.

Artist's Statement
I have always enjoyed making pieces for the table for ‘every day’ as well as for ‘special’ occasions. My forms are predominantly inspired by the eighteenth and nineteenth century decorative arts, particularly utilitarian silver tableware and Sevres porcelain. I am further inspired by plant forms in nature. My intent is to integrate the two so that they become one. My work is thrown, altered, and assembled, and is made with a porcelain clay body.