The simple elements of clay, water, fire and oxides
are skillfully combined into exploratory pottery and ceramic
art.
Welcome
to my website. I hope you enjoy exploring it as much as
I love exploring the flow of the clay, the glaze chemistry,
and the firing techniques involved in creating both functional
pottery and ceramics, which many interpret as artwork.
I was introduced to ceramics back
in 1995 when I moved to Ventura County, California. After
settling here in Camarillo, I built a studio as a Christmas
present to myself in 2005.
I create my pottery and ceramics
with stoneware, porcelain, and a variety of glazes that
are high-fired to Cone 10 (2380 deg. F) in a heavy-reduction
atmosphere using a natural gas, updraft kiln. In the past,
I have also done raku but the challenge of high-firing totally
intrigues me. Most of my work is thrown on a pottery wheel
but some is hand-built. Regardless, there are few pieces
that are simply thrown and glazed without some sort of creative
or exploratory additions made; glass and tobikanna (chatter
decoration a.k.a. jumping iron) being some of my favorites.
My love of nature compels me to incorporate
natural components, materials and textures into my work.
To some, this might seem a bit unconventional but just remember
how natural the clay and glaze materials actually are. As
I continue to explore these natural materials, I look forward
to expanding the scope and freedom of my style in its forms,
the glazes, the firing techniques, and the inclusion of
additional natural ingredients.
Please note that all
content of this site is copyrighted and should not be copied
or downloaded without my permission.
If you have
any questions, please...
Contact me at
www.levanderceramics.com - Copyright
2010 - Jim LeVander -All rights reserved. NewMexicanLavender.com
JJL are my initials
and are used as a stamp on my work as seen in the upper left-hand
corner of my website.
