Dorset
Pottery Group
Member
Member
Rosemarie James
16 York Towers
Pine Tree Glen
Westbourne
BOURNEMOUTH
BH4 9EJ
rosemarie@studiopotter.co.uk
http://www.studiopotter.co.uk/
I am also well known locally as a pottery teacher of many years standing.
I trained at Wolverhampton College of Art and my early sources of inspiration were Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. However, I am especially in tune with the strong sculptural forms of pre-Columbian pottery. This resulted in a lifetime's exploration of natural organic forms and ancient history leading inexorably to my current passion for sculptured decorative pieces.
The challenge of creating a ceramic sculpture that expresses a unity of conception whilst remaining true to the character of thrown and altered forms is endlessly fascinating.
Water is often used to provide additional movement, textural flux and the suggestion of life.
Line, form, texture, light and colour are orchestrated to hopefully create a balanced harmony; a thing of beauty and a constant source of interest, pleasure and delight.
The same spirit imbues my range of simpler decorative items. Often pierced by delicate fretworks of stylised leaves, flames and mythical creatures; candles enhance their mystery and allow a better appreciation of their inner space.
I also make a wide range of practical and highly decorative kitchen and table ware. No two items are exactly alike, even when in sets,as each reflects a uniqueness born of simple craftsmanship and the creativity of fire at high temperatures.
I work mainly in high temperature stoneware and porcelain. My stoneware is hard, strong, non-porous (no wet rings on polished surfaces), oven-proof and dishwasher- proof. It owes its distinct beauty and unique individuality to the intimate fusion of its clay body with its glaze.
Colouring agents from the foregoing mingle and react at high temperature (1260oC) to produce colour variations, mottlings and surface texture changes that range from the subtle to the startling.
Porcelain is a special type of pure white stoneware, also often treasured for its translucency. Working at high temperatures has its inevitable drawbacks such as higher costs and a greater failure rate. Nonetheless, I feel that the risks are justified by the quality, mystery and outstanding beauty of the results.
I hope that you will share my enthusiasm.
