Beks Leininger

Bio

Beks Leininger received her Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from California Baptist University, before moving to Kansas City, where she has immersed herself in the local art scene for the past four years. When she’s not in the studio, you may find her ordering a whole pizza with the intention of saving leftovers, only to accidentally eat the entire thing. Beks’s artistic journey revolves around the creation of functional, wheel-thrown pottery tailored for everyday use.

artist statement

When contemplating the origins of humanity, it’s easy to spot the stark differences that separate us from our ancient counterparts. But amidst the myriad of changes over time, there is a significant constant: The shared ritual of food and the vessels that house it. Crafting these vessels stands as a profound honor for me, representing a tangible link between myself and humanity as a whole. In my work, I find a balance between making quality wares and intentionally allowing for the presence of marks and imperfections—serving as a reminder of the human hands that shaped them. My objective is not to challenge the efficiency or perfection of machines; rather, I am dedicated to making one-of-a-kind works that narrate the story of their creation. Within my craft, my greatest joy and fulfillment comes when I envision someone starting their day with a cup of coffee in a mug I crafted, arranging flowers in a vase I designed, or sharing a meal with loved ones over a dining set of my creation. This profound connection to such an intimate and meaningful human ritual is what fuels my passion for making functional pottery.