Mixed-media: paper clay finished with stains. 2020
I am Leona Lazar, a ceramic sculptor, and you are looking at 6'.
The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated “self-sheltering” – quarantining ourselves from others. As butterflies, we longed to be free from our “cocoons” giving us a basic sense of well-being, independence and the ability to interact with others. Making Cocoon was a catharsis, helping me rediscover the whimsical part of myself.
Though my sculpture has always related to themes and issues that provoke a wide band of human emotions, over the past year, I had been absorbed with isolation and how deeply it affected my feelings and expressions of my work. Thankfully I had been able to go into my studio - a safe space - and simply let my hands respond to what was going on inside of me through the clay.
My sculptures are built with thin slabs of clay similar to a hollow vessel. Textured surfaces and color expand the dynamics of the pieces. Through abstraction, exaggeration and distortion, I capture the character and mood of the piece, creating a surreal quality.
If you would like to learn more about me and my art, please go to my website, leonalazar.com. I hope you enjoy 6'. Thanks!