Lesley Katzen is a Seattle, Washington based ceramicist and sculptor who works in decorative and functional stoneware and figurative sculpture. 

Group Exhibitions:

Artist’s Statement:

“et sum, quod digitis quinque legatur, onus”  -- Thomas Browne, from 'Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial' 1658

I explore the well-tread theme of mortality in creating hand built jars in the style of mostly Western funerary art, Memento Mori ,and Vanitas.  

I find ceramics a very concrete way of working through grief in a way that can be quite childlike. 

I usually begin with a memory or a feeling that I can’t process - and so aim to make physical, to give it form and life and space, volume. 

My process serves as a balm; I seek permanence, stability in the creation of a vessel - from a passive wet earth to a thing which I believe to be worthy of three dimensions. 

This feels like real power in a world where we are often so powerless.

gothboxceramics@)

Available work

Urn - 2024

9x9x9 inches 

Stoneware and commercial glazes

Purse - 2024

15x5.5 inches

Stoneware and commercial glazes

My Little Pony - 2024

10x8 inches

Stoneware and commercial glazes, gold luster

Urn - 2024

9x9x9 inches 

Stoneware and commercial glazes

Wolf in sheep's clothing - 2024

8x8x2 inches

Stoneware and commercial glazes, gold luster

Mermaid - 2024

8x11x9 inches

Stoneware and commercial glazes, gold luster

Don't provoke the artist mug 

these are made to order and are 40 bucks! Reach out to me at https://www.instagram.com/gothboxceramics/ I'm happy to customize for your favorite provokable artist.

Stoneware and commercial glazes, 

(luster optional)

for commissions and other inquiries: lesley@gothboxceramics.com