I love the work of Paul James. I discovered it three or four years ago, and it was such a joy. It's so minimalist, pure, just clean lines, and so reminiscent of abstract art.
What is amazing is that even though his degree was in ceramics, he did not start practising it until lockdown. Before that he had a 30-year career in fashion accessories, being design director for Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, and Coach.
He focuses on the simplicity of clay which he turns, sands and polishes. His vessels are predominantly monochrome and have a neutral palette. They quite often feature a single drawn line which highlights the sliced and reassembled construction. The rims have quite often raw edges revealing a love of imperfection. And they are so thin!
This time I bought this bowl.
The elliptical bowls are among the most complex pieces he makes. He explained to me how he constructs them. First they are thrown, then dissected, then they are rejoined on the bias to create the seams running through them. The bases are then turned off centre so that the bowls sit at an angle, creating movement in both seam and object. Lastly, they are polished in such a way that the surface acquires a subtle sheen allowing the natural beauty of the porcelain to shine through.
looking in.
Some of the other work on display:
Two framed pieces, which I really liked, but sooo expensive.
Finally, this is James' statement about his work:
Fractured Society:
My porcelain compositions explore the fragmented realities of the world we find ourselves entangled in - fractured, divided, and seemingly irreparably torn. Rolled sheets of porcelain undergo a deliberate process of dissection and reassembly, creating seams that carry a palpable tension - both literal and metaphorical.
These lines, while marking division, also suggest reunification - a delicate balance between rupture and reconciliation, echoing the contradictions of our fractured existence. Once rejoined, the porcelain is rolled to the thickness of paper, emphasizing its fragility and vulnerability. After the final firing, polished surfaces emerge - complex, subtle, and quietly reflective - inviting closer inspection and deeper thought.
Ultimately, the aim is to create a piece of art that offers a unique narrative - shaped by each viewer's perspective. It becomes a space for introspection. After all, each individual perceives a different truth, and perhaps - just perhaps finds a fleeting moment of clarity within the chaos.
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