COLUMBIA

From Jet Engines to

Ceramic Sculptures
by Lynda Jones

How did a jet engine mechanic from
Missouri end up demonstrating
sculptural and architectural ceramics
at the Kelowna Clay Festival?
Rosemarie Greedy and I found Jim
Robison as master of ceremonies at
the International Ceramics Festival
in Wales last July and it didn’t take
much convincing to get him to come
to our beautiful province.

Jim was born and raised in the
USA and after a three-year duty in
Germany as an aircraft mechanic
with the USAF he decided to return
to the USA and get a B.A. major in
Fine Art and an M.A. Sculpture and
Ceramics. On seeing a picture of an
aging Michael Cardew labouring over
a massive lump of clay with a grin on
his face, Jim said, “...he looked so
happy. It made a big impression on
me, to think that you could work that

hard, be that old, and be that happy.
‘There must be something in this
magic of ceramics worth living and
working for. ‘There is!”

When asked how he ended up
living in England he says that he had
“adeep cultural interestand he married
her.” Thirty-five years later they're
still married, living, producing and
operating Booth House Gallery and
studio in Yorkshire, exhibiting his and
others’ work as well as teaching courses.

Jim’s work is primarily ceramic
sculpture, including small and
large individual pieces, slabware
vessels and public commissions. It is
influenced by history (geology and
mar’s activities), environment (shape,
colour and texture of surroundings)
and process. Individual slab pieces
are created through a process which
includes using an antique mangle
to roll and re-roll prepared sheets
of clay. This creates broken edges
and areas which are stretched and
stressed, generating their own feeling
of history. Slips, which are painted,

combed, sponge printed and stenciled,
provide contrasting colours and these
are emphasized by applications of
up to six glazes and the firing in the
reduction atmosphere of a large gas
kiln.

Jim exhibits extensively in the
U.K. and Europe. Reference to his
work is found in many ceramic books
and publications including Ceramics
Monthly and Ceramic Review. He
authored his own book Large Scale
Ceramics which addresses concerns
such as kiln size, construction over an
extended period of time, designing for
a specific site, assembling, weather-
proofing and installation.

Jim is a relaxed but lively, social
and entertaining presenter. He loves
his work, loves to teach and discuss
how things are made or the aesthetics
of a particular pot. He will be giving
a two-day demonstration as well as a
two-day hands-on workshop during
the Kelowna Clay Festival.

Continued on page 9, Jim Robison

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXPIRES MAY 31

Kelowna Clay Festival

August 8-12, 2008 www.kelownaclayfestival.com

w Wandless, usA Tony Clennell, canada
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iize Kelowna Clay Festival, c/o 2663 O’Reilly Lane, Kelowna, BC Ca 7 1
Potters Guild of BC Newsletter « April 2008 8