Lisa Schenkelberg is a ceramic artist exploring the underlying interconnectivity at the heart of nature. She studied art and psychology at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY where she graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art. After graduation, she remained in Saratoga Springs for a yearlong independent study in ceramics before moving to San Francisco in 2003. Over the next decade, she continued to hone her craft at various studios throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She recently moved back to her hometown of Cleveland, OH with her husband and continues to dedicate her time to both her art practice and her work as a holistic counselor.

“I was an artist in residence at the Buffalo Creek Art Center for the month of June, 2021. The opportunity came at just the right time for me and I had a wonderful experience.

During the course of the residency, I established a daily routine that helped me reconnect with the creative process. The ceramics studio at Buffalo Creek is spacious and filled with natural light. In the mornings, I worked right outside the studio door so that I could be more immersed in the fresh air and beautiful land. From my spot, I had an amazing view of orchards, pine trees and mountains. In the afternoons, I migrated inside to a space near the window where I could gaze outside at the natural surroundings. During breaks, I soaked in the beauty of the landscape, meandering through the grounds filled with all manner of flora and fauna – aspen, pine and willow trees, sagebrush, frogs, garter snakes, dragonflies, butterflies, rabbits, deer, lizards, hawks, vultures and songbirds. This daily rhythm of steady work and immersion in nature inspired and supported me in rooting back down into my art practice.

After the completion of the residency and upon returning home, I felt revitalized and reinvigorated. I feel so grateful for my time at Buffalo Creek Art Center. The experience was everything that I had hoped for and more and I am so happy I said yes!”

– Lisa