Lisa Platt
Did you one day realize that you had some talent?
Yes, after not creating art for most of my life, I started sculpting with Papier Mache in my early forties. I was delighted that my work was well received. I started creating and selling sculpture for the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Gift Shops and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts local artist shop program.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think life’s experiences make us who we are. My spirit portrays my love of Nature, animals and the people who are integral to my life. There’s so much to express in countless ways.
What is the most gratifying aspect of your art making?
I have a playful style that puts a lighter spin on the emotions of my subjects. There is so much beauty and richness in life and there is so much pain and adversity. When I see people enjoy, and smile at my work, that’s the satisfaction I strive for.
Material plays an important role in sculpture Do you have a favorite?
I do. Initially I worked with traditional Papier Mache. That led to sculpting with Celluclay and Paper Clay. Once I started working with ceramic clay, I never went back. Terra Cotta clay plays a big role in my work.
Yes, after not creating art for most of my life, I started sculpting with Papier Mache in my early forties. I was delighted that my work was well received. I started creating and selling sculpture for the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Gift Shops and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts local artist shop program.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think life’s experiences make us who we are. My spirit portrays my love of Nature, animals and the people who are integral to my life. There’s so much to express in countless ways.
What is the most gratifying aspect of your art making?
I have a playful style that puts a lighter spin on the emotions of my subjects. There is so much beauty and richness in life and there is so much pain and adversity. When I see people enjoy, and smile at my work, that’s the satisfaction I strive for.
Material plays an important role in sculpture Do you have a favorite?
I do. Initially I worked with traditional Papier Mache. That led to sculpting with Celluclay and Paper Clay. Once I started working with ceramic clay, I never went back. Terra Cotta clay plays a big role in my work.
Biography
Lisa Platt is native to Pittsburgh where she grew up in a family and community of Artists. Her exposure to well-known Pittsburgh painters, sculptors, wood workers, writers and photographers left a lifelong lasting impression. She started creating her own art in the late nineties. She learned how to work with ceramics from her mentor, Cynthia Young, a long-standing instructor at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Her works are a whimsical celebration of life and love. Currently working in ceramic clay, she creates hand-built creatures, mixed media mosaics, and decorative tiles. Several of Platt’s works are exhibited in Pittsburgh places that include the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital, the Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Phipps Conservatory and private collections.
In today’s exhibition, Platt is honoring indigenous northwest tribal art.
In today’s exhibition, Platt is honoring indigenous northwest tribal art.