A Tribute to Lisa Lichtenfels

The Angel of Death

It has been a year now that the world lost a remarkable artist, Lisa Lichtenfels, whose pioneering work in soft sculpture continues to inspire. Lisa's career began at Disney Animation Studios, where she was mentored by Eric Larson. But her heart was drawn to a different kind of art. She left Disney to explore the emerging world of soft sculpture—a medium that would become her life’s passion.

Lisa’s innovative use of nylon, combined with her detailed understanding of anatomy, allowed her to create soft sculptures that were startlingly lifelike. Her figures seemed to breathe, capturing the essence of personality and emotion.

Lisa’s work was more than a technical feat. She infused her sculptures with character, seeking to understand the subtleties of the human face and the nature of personality. Her creations were intimate and expressive, inviting viewers to engage with them on a deeply personal level. As she once said, “Working with fabric has been a liberating experience because it is intimate, responsive, and informing, and it allows me to pursue my primary interest, which is the nature of personality and character, and the study of the face as a medium of primary communication.”

I was fortunate enough to study with Lisa and call her a friend. She was incredibly funny and told the best stories. As a teacher she had a unique ability to make you feel like you were not just learning a technique but being welcomed into her world of creativity. She was generous with her knowledge, kind and patient in her guidance, traits that made her not only an incredible artist but a wonderful human being.

Lisa’s legacy lives on in the countless artists she inspired, including myself. Her exploration of fabric as a medium for realism broke new ground, and her commitment to understanding and representing the human experience through art will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Though she is no longer with us, her art will forever capture the beauty of life and the magic that fabric can hold in the hands of a Master. If you would like to see more of her artwork you can visit www.LisaLichtenfels.net

Rest in peace, Lisa. Your art and your friendship will never be forgotten.