You might recognize her name from headlines involving a certain Hollywood legend, but Lisa Karmazin is far more than a legal footnote. She is a dedicated and skilled ceramic artist with a vibrant creative life, a longtime resident of San Diego, and a resilient mother who stood firm in the face of a high-profile challenge. Ready to dive into the world of this intriguing potter and entrepreneur?
Who is Lisa Karmazin?
Lisa Karmazin is primarily known as a ceramic artist and potter based in sunny San Diego, California. Her artistic work is celebrated for its distinctive style, described as “colorful and whimsical cups, saucers, trays, and wall sculptures,” showcasing her mastery of clay and glazes. While she is a recognized figure in the local arts community, she also gained public recognition for her former relationship with legendary actor Harvey Keitel, with whom she shares a son.
| Detail | Information Available |
| Primary Occupation | Ceramic Artist/Potter |
| Known For | Her art and relationship with actor Harvey Keitel |
| Husband/Partner | Was in a relationship with Harvey Keitel |
| Children | Son, Hudson Karmazin Keitel |
| Location | Longtime Resident of San Diego, California |
A Creative Life Forged in Clay
Karmazin’s true professional heart lies in her studio. As an established ceramic artist, her pieces are a riot of color and creativity, moving beyond simple utility to become genuine works of art. The focus on vibrant cups, trays, and wall sculptures speaks to an artist who finds joy in the tactile process of pottery and translates that into engaging, functional pieces.
Beyond her primary artistic pursuits, some sources suggest Karmazin has been involved in property management, specifically with vacation rentals in the San Diego area. This paints a picture of an entrepreneurial individual who is able to successfully balance a demanding creative career with practical business ventures, further establishing her as a multifaceted professional in her community.
Her Journey: Art, Love, and a High-Stakes Legal Battle
Lisa Karmazin’s personal journey took a dramatic and public turn around the turn of the millennium. After meeting celebrated actor Harvey Keitel in Israel, their relationship led to the birth of their son, Hudson Karmazin Keitel, in October 2001.
However, the period surrounding her son’s birth was filled with emotional turmoil. Shortly after meeting another woman at a film festival, Keitel suddenly left Karmazin and secretly married Israeli filmmaker Daphna Kastner just weeks after Hudson was born.
This devastating sequence of events led Karmazin to file a highly contentious paternity and child-support suit in New York family court. The legal battle thrust her into the national spotlight. Court documents revealed her claims that Keitel was an absent father who allegedly took six months to see his newborn son for the first time. Through this public scrutiny, Karmazin showed remarkable resilience and determination, fighting to secure her son’s future. The intense legal drama ultimately concluded with an out-of-court settlement, the terms of which remain confidential. This chapter solidified Karmazin’s public image not just as an artist, but as a resolute mother standing up for her child.
Conclusion
Lisa Karmazin is a dedicated ceramic artist and San Diego resident whose life encompasses professional creativity and personal strength. While her legal history with Harvey Keitel brought her into the public eye, her identity is defined by her artistic talent, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her fierce commitment to her son. She continues to be a working artist and a dynamic professional in her home city.

