John Evans - jev ceramics Ceramic Artist

“My inspirations are many but, in essence, focus on primitive cultures and their use of clay without glazes; I ‘paint’ on clay with smoke and chemical fumes, combining artistic intent with the random markings of the process. I want the visual experience to be complemented by the burnished surfaces, often described as ‘just like marble’ and always demanding to be touched.”

The work has been described as using primitive techniques to produce a contemporary style. The processes (known as ‘naked raku’) used to achieve the end results are lengthy, involving techniques such as hand-burnishing, terra sigilatta (an ancient technique to seal ceramics) and decorated with markings made by smoke or other fumes. The final work is unglazed, with a smooth, very tactile, surface often said to resemble that of marble or soapstone. Inspiration sources are many, but often come from early civilisations and dark places. Although based on vessel forms, these ceramic art works are porous and not intended to be used for domestic purposes.

John holds a BA (Hons) in Ceramics and, in addition to the Sussex Guild is a member of London Potters, Southern Ceramic Group, and the Craft Potters Association. His studio is in Worthing, West Sussex
Work is available from selected galleries and at specialist art and ceramic fairs across the UK. It can now be found in collections in several countries in Europe and North America. The work has featured in ‘Ceramic Review’ in 2008 and 2010 and, in 2011, in the Larks Books international publication '500 Raku'. It has been described as ‘contemporary, contemplative, and intriguing’.

John has received a professional development grant from the Craft Pottery Trust to study with American raku master Eduardo Lazo, an experience which has since enabled him to bring many new techniques to his work and to his teaching at workshops in the UK and Europe attracting skilled ceramicists.

View my website http://www.jevceramics.co.uk/