Leena Ismail is a Palestinian ceramic artist and Architect based in Roslindale. Her work combines wheel-thrown stoneware with hand-painted surfaces that draw heavily from architectural geometry. Repetition, symmetry, and pattern are central to her visual language- a direct reflection of her architectural training.

Drawing from her upbringing in occupied Palestine during the first Intifada, Leena’s practice also explores themes of memory, displacement, resilience, and the enduring relationship between ritual and place, creating works that reflect both personal remembrance and collective experience.

Clay became a pivotal part of Leena’s life during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a personal creative outlet has evolved into so much more. For Leena, clay is a medium that provides a space for strength, healing, and community. Through functional pottery, installations, and collaborative fundraising initiatives supporting Palestinian families in Gaza, she explores how art can hold memory and forge connections across generations.