About Lesley Reich

I studied pottery with professor Hul Ka Kwong at Douglass College in 1970. It was solely for the pleasure of feeling the clay sliding through my fingers. The next year I worked with Janka McClatchey, a well known potter in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This evolved into a desire to create functional, affordable stoneware pieces that sold at my first craft fair in 1972.

Now each piece is thrown using a personal formula of mid-range porcelain. These pieces are designed to be light, with well-crafted handles, spouts, etc, that make them a joy to use. By combining mostly original, cone7 oxidation (electric fired) glazes I achieve unusual, striking combinations.

A few years ago I began making fountains. The biggest challenge was throwing the center piece with many tiers, a difficult task. This allowed the water to flow in different rhythms. Finding new glaze combinations is another challenge.

In the fall of 2001 I developed a line of thrown vessels, bowls, vases and platters, with hand lettered inspirational messages. These pieces led to a body of work that embraces my philosophy of life. I combine my love of words with favorite poets, historical figures, friends and that great writer - anonymous.