I LIKE TO THINK OF MY STYLE AS INTRICATE MINIMALISM. THERE IS A LOT OF FINE DETAIL IN MY WORK, BUT THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS.

American ceramicist Leah Kaplan explores movement, texture and translucency through sculptural forms. Her signature porcelain vessels blend fluidity with minimalism, belying intricate construction that beckons viewers to take a closer look. Leah’s process is rooted in age-old handbuilding techniques, such as pinching, coiling and slab-building, but her deep dive into porcelain’s materiality often yields surprising results.

Leah Kaplan has been working in clay for 30 years, honing her skills in studios and schools in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. In 2018, Leah renovated a studio in Old City Philadelphia from which she launched her full time practice. Her eclectic career path to ceramics included promoting New York City designers, as well as safeguarding indigenous craft traditions.

Leah Kaplan draws inspiration from architecture and the natural world, as well as other craft mediums. The latter influence grew out of her years helping artisans preserve their artistic heritages and find markets for their work. In that role, Leah was fortunate to meet craftspeople making extraordinary objects using time-honored techniques and materials, an experience that continues to inform Leah’s artistic practice decades later.