Laurie Sapakoff

My ceramics studio is in my home in Silver Bay, New York, looking out on Lake George. Although I have spent part of every summer of my life at this lake, I now live here for eight months of the year in retirement. Mostly I throw on the wheel, making both functional and decorative pieces. I layer glazes and try to evoke a sense of landscape. Large platters are like canvases, which makes them especially appealing to me. I am humbled when anyone buys my work. It is very satisfying to think of people using my pots in their everyday life.

In 2024, I started making scrap metal sculptures with ceramic elements, as well as ceramic totems with metal bases. MacScrap, a scrap metal yard (and seller of new metal) in Rutland, Vermont, is where I scavenge for metal. It is very welcoming to artists and has even hosted metal artists on the premises. At the entrance to the yard are an assortment of large whimsical metal sculptures. Thank you to Josh, the 3rd generation of this family business, for actively fostering creativity.

In a world driven by technology, speed and artificial intelligence, clay brings me back to our essential humanity. Re-using scrap metal is a satisfying antidote to consumerism. Making art keeps me grounded and sane, and reminds me of the value of slowing down.