Stoke On Trent may be known as the Potteries but Stoke Newington, in North London, is emerging as the home of the potters.
I have mentioned before on this blog the endearing work of N16-based Takae Mizutani and Sons and now I have discovered another talented ceramicist in the area: Jo Davies.
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| Jo Davies |
A graduate of Bath School of Art and latterly the Royal College of Art, Jo has carved out a successful career as a ceramicist over the last ten years, winning several awards in the process. She has held residencies in Wales and Norway and exhibited all over the world, but I caught up with her at the recent Tent London show in East London, not far from her Chocolate Factory studio.
I was initially drawn to the simplicity of her work but, on closer inspection, there's a lot more to it.
Jo describes her ceramics as 'a bringing together of contrasts' and it's easy to see what she means: pieces are soft and yet sharp, sturdy yet delicate, abstract but with a certain tangibility.
By using a combination of wheel-thrown and hand building techniques, Jo creates pieces which are incredibly tactile. Her cups, each one unique with throwing lines that are made to 'fit the fingers', are particularly irresistible. There are elements of androgyny too - feminine sensuality is combined with strong masculinity.
If it was a person I think Jo's work would be Angelina Jolie: sophisticated with a cheeky humour and a glint of wickedness, perhaps not unlike Jo herself?
If it was a person I think Jo's work would be Angelina Jolie: sophisticated with a cheeky humour and a glint of wickedness, perhaps not unlike Jo herself?
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| 'Choker' vases, £65. |
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| Cups, available in three sizes, from £10. |
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| 'Zsa Zsa' vase, from £190. |
Jo takes commissions and also offers tuition at her studio. For more information visit http://www.jo-davies.com
All images courtesy of Jo Davies Ceramics.
All images courtesy of Jo Davies Ceramics.