Denys James

Many of my ceramic works are figurative / narrative / archi­tectural terracotta, paper clay, wall bas-reliefs. I also generate a range of 'useful' vessels and vessel-related sculptural forms.
I am curious about by themes of connection; psychic compression; social isolation; travel; and my own personal history.
I wonder about how the human is positioned in, and influenced by, architectural space. Of particular interest are windows, openings, balconies, steps, and the aging of materials and surfaces over time.
Ancient clay objects, ruins, temples, walls, are a major source of inspiration.
In my studio I utilize a variety of techniques and materials: drawing, stamping, texture making, painting with coloured engobes, glazes; integrating ceramic stains, metal powders, industrial porcelain circuitry substrates, refractory elements, and ceramic decals; and finally all these elements are combined and transformed through several firings; completing the synthesis of intention, form and surface.

DENYS JAMES (b. 1943, Victoria); B.Ed U.B.C.,1968; Diploma, Ceramics, Banff School of Fine Arts, 1978.
He has taught ceramics, drawing, 3D design at Okanagan College; Victoria College of Art; Alberta College of Art; and conducted over 50 ceramic art workshops and seminars.
His exhibitions include: Fine Arts Gallery, U.B.C., Vancouver; Canadian Clay and Glass, Waterloo; East-West, London, England; Walter Phillips, Banff; Bau-Xi, Vancouver; Kesif-Sanat Galerisi, Turkey; Dunlop, Regina; Jonathon Bancroft-Snell, London, Ontario; Hall Barnett, New Orleans.
Denys's work appears in several publications, and in public and private collections including the Museum of Civilization; British Petroleum; Hacettepe University, inTurkey.
He conducts art travel learning experiences through his company Discovery Art Travel, and is a studio artist on Salt Spring Island.