About the Artist
James started learning how to work with clay when he was in college. In 2002 he graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas with a BA in ceramics. From there he moved to Pittsboro, NC where he started a formal apprenticeship under master wood fire potter Mark Hewitt. The apprenticeship lasted from 2002-2005.
It may seem old-fashioned today, but the apprenticeship method of learning is truly effective. One of the biggest advantages is that hopefuls or ambitious individuals are able to learn from someone who has succeeded where they want to and can attest to it.
After his apprenticeship with Mark Hewitt, James continued work as a journeyman. His first post-apprenticeship position was with master potter Bill Gossman in New London, Minnesota for about four months, where James learned to apply the skills he gained during his apprenticeship. This is also where he began to push his creativity in new directions. Then, in 2006, he moved to East Africa to volunteer with the US Peace Corp in Tanzania. As an environmental volunteer, he worked with local farmers and beekeepers, learning traditional village farming techniques, and spent time with potters in a nearby village.
In the summer and fall of 2009, James spent about six months at the Rochester Folk Art Guild in upstate New York as an artist in residence. During this time he worked with master potter Annie Schliffer. He then spent August traveling and escaping the country again, and exploring northern India, including Kashmir. He traveled on, through Nepal, and then finally throughout Southeast Asia, visiting many potteries in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
James returned to Dallas and started working at the Craft Guild of Dallas in 2010. In 2016 he moved to South Dallas, where he started Oak Cliff Pottery. He focuses on gas-fired stoneware and porcelain and makes pots for local restaurants. He also purchased the property adjacent to his house in 2023 in order to expand his pottery studio. There, he teaches classes for beginning and advanced pottery enthusiasts alike, and recently completed the construction of what might be the largest gas kiln in Texas.