Aysha Peltz

EDUCATION

1995 BFA School of Art and Design at New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

1996-1998 MFA Candidate, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts

2000 MFA School of Art and Design at New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

APPRENTICESHIPS AND RESIDENCIES

2004 Alfred Summer School, New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

2006 Artist Invite Artists, Watershed Center of the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, Maine

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

2006—Ceramics Teacher, Bennington College, Bennington, Vermont

2000 The Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, Missouri

2000 New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York

1997 University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts

—Arrowmont School of the Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

—Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine

—Peter’s Valley Craft Center, Layton, New Jersey

Aysha Peltz work focuses on functional pieces that are wheel thrown and altered while still freshly thrown. In graduate school she began to explore the role of scale by producing functional pieces that are much larger than their typical size. Each piece is finished with glaze that flows in ways that accent its structure.

She wanted to make pots that allowed larger gestures and to explore the complications of size in relation to use. Peltz’ pieces are thick and heavy ignoring the typical goal of working porcelain at its thinnest. Occasionally, when making extra-large platters she will use white stoneware. 

Peltz studied with John Gill as an undergraduate and graduate student while at Alfred. The life and work of Karen Karnes also inspires her work.