This July, the Livingston Public Library’s exhibit case is featuring original ceramic creations by clay sculptor Leslie Jacobsen.

Artist’s Statement

I have been creating colorful, expressive one-of-a-kind ceramic masks since the summer of 2006. 

Conceived as wall art, rather than functional masks, they are made from white stoneware. They are often adorned with ribbons, beads, feathers, leather, fabric, glass, or metal. There are influences from African, Asian, and Native American art although my imagination plays the biggest role. Metallic bronze and brass underglazes, bright colorful underglazes and acrylics, as well as more subtle glazes and iron oxide are often used. Some of my masks are raku.

I enrolled in art courses while at the University of Pittsburgh and after graduating I continued to take classes and workshops in sculpture and other art mediums for several years.

My interest in masks was accelerated during a visit to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico in Sept. 2001 where I saw Native American masks adorned with feathers displayed in galleries.

During a later visit to Seattle I discovered wonderful, colorful carved wooden masks of the Northwestern Coast Indians. These came to life in the stories and plays of their culture. As I work with clay I watch as my masks evolve into individual characters. Often they are assigned certain individual personality traits or express different emotions.  I always hope the viewer will see these.

I am a  member of the NJ Potters Guild. My masks have been exhibited in many places including the Potters Guild of NJ Annual  Fair, Morristown Armory Craft Fair, Morris County Library, JCC Metrowest, Florham Park Library, Peters Valley Craft Fair, Café Metro, The Fine Grind Café, and Le Bazar de Noel.

Mask making is a meditative experience and a joyful endeavor for me.

Facebook art page         ArtMasksby LSJ

Instagram                     art_maskslesj

Contact Leslie at            masksbylsj@gmail.com