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Brief Bio

 

​Lee Ustinich (that's me) is a clay artist and the owner of LeeUCeramics, in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire.  I have been making art since my childhood in New Jersey.  I moved to NYC after high school, enjoying the great museums and the vibrant art scene of the '60's. Next, I earned a BFA from the School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in ceramics/materials.

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Instead of pursuing a career in art, I earned a Master's degree in allied health and worked professionally in addiction treatment. After moving to New Hampshire, I served as a State Planner for the Bureau of Behavioral Health. Once I retired from public service, I resumed my creative interest for working in clay.  

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​I work with commercial clay bodies and glazes, primarily firing at cone 6 in an oxidation (electric) atmosphere. When the opportunity presents, I enjoy cone 10 reduction (wood) firing. ​My ceramics are organically designed to be sculptural, functional, and distinctive, for home and office use.

 

Artist Statement

WYSIWYG-It’s Intentional

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I embrace ceramic materials and the results of the firing "as is", often accepting natural flaws and technical imperfections, when it suits my purpose. I infuse my work with themes of struggle and determination, honoring the process of survival and resilience, emphasizing progress over perfection. This challenges traditional notions of symmetry and refinement in ceramics, and leverages the attributes of serendipity.