SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM

Lesley Anton studied Interior Design and Ceramics before getting a BFA in Illustration and Art History from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Her journey as a ceramic artist began during college, and on to a variety of community studios and workshops. This path took an unconventional turn when she was challenged to create unique ceramic lamps for the high-end modern interior design industry in Los Angeles. With help from some wonderful design mentors, she founded Lesley Anton Handmade Ceramic Lighting.

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Nationally represented by interior design showrooms for nearly 15 years, this collection of ceramic lamps features a combination of luscious high-fire reduction glazes and hand-turned wood and metal accents. These organic modern forms now adorn countless residential and commercial spaces worldwide.

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A move to Savannah, Georgia in 2016 created a new opportunity to think about clay outside of the realm of the lighting world, and without the external pressure of "order filling". With no parameters set, Lesley has taken on the new challenge of recreating the unpredictability of the high-fire glaze surfaces but using the mid-fire electric process. Extensive glaze testing has brought her to some exciting volcanic surfaces and textures that evoke the natural world of the oceanic and stellar environments. The goal now is to create functional work for daily use as well as large-scale modern forms that harness the chaos that makes working with clay continuously challenging and engaging.