For the past two years I’ve been working as manager, in
house accountant, bartender, server, dish washer and resident plumber at Haakon’s Hall, a bar and grill I own with my
father. It has been one of the most
challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Working with my father, James
Lenzi, on a daily basis has given me a lifetime of experience and I am so
thankful to him for that. I’ve also had
the pleasure of meeting some really amazing characters and made some lifelong
friends , including the entire Military Veteran community at Columbia
University who taught me to improvise, adapt, and overcome, not to
mention the love of my life Sophie Fader.
However, the time has come for me to
step down from Haakon’s Hall in order to pursue my passion for ceramics. The transition will be a difficult one, but
since my last day of work this past Monday I’ve made more work than I have in
the last year and it feels really good.
Here are just a few images of work in progress, dirty dishes
and my Easter gift to my mother…
Jars out of the bisque firing, approx. 36''
I always said I started out in this business as a dishwasher and I would go out as a dishwasher. This is the last rack of dirty dishes I ran through the dishwasher at Haakon's Hall.
Showing up 45 minutes late to Easter dinner at mom's might have not gone as well if I hadn't walked through the door with this in my hands.
After turning out a string of overly heady artist statements i finally decided to have a little bit more fun and be a lot more honest. So here it is.
Soda fired jar 2010
Urn-Tang Dynasty 8th century
My practice is centered around the potter’s
wheel. The concept of handmade ceramics and
the function it serves excites me. The rhythm that is offered working within the
various states of ceramics is a driving force in my life. I am married to the
constant satisfaction and heart break that the material subjects me to.
Bill Evans Trio- 1959
Bob Dylan- 1975
While
I make work that often references art and ceramic history, I try to let my process
be the guiding force. I am influenced by Tang Dynasty ceramics and Bob Dylan. The
endeavors of the Bill Evans trio are a wellspring for my composition. The
concept of establishing a theme and exploring it simultaneously with three separate
elements centered on that same theme informs my process.
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