Philadelphia, PA ARTIST STATEMENTEach 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. 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. BIOGRAPHYLisa Belsky is a ceramic artist and life long knitter and crocheter. She received her BFA from Tyler School of Art in 2004 and her MFA from the Ohio State University in 2008. She currently lives and works in Columbus, Ohio where she shares a studio with her husband.In May of 2017 she was recognized as one of Ceramics Monthly Magazine's Emerging Artists of 2017. She recently received the 2017 award for Excellence In Clay at the 41st Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.