James Sankowski
Jim Sankowski lives in Ballston Lake, New York where he has maintained his studio Ballston Lake Pottery since 1975. He attended Central College, Iowa (BA-Art ‘72) and Bowling Green State University, Ohio (MFA-Ceramic Art ‘74).
Throughout his years of educational development and work as a studio potter, Jim has exhibited work in numerous regional, state, and national shows, and art fairs and has conducted pottery workshops. His pottery has appeared in such publications as Studio Potter, Ceramic Monthly, and The Art of Contemporary American Pottery.
Artist Statement
My intent as a potter is to make pots that embrace the functional aspect of our lives, while yet transcending them. To create pottery that gives meaning and joy in its daily interaction with people is special. It is important to make pottery that is both a unique creation of my own, and is durable and functional as well. This is the real challenge to me: to bring the elements of form and design together with craft and function.
In recent years I’ve worked on the alteration of the thrown form and slab shape to create asymmetry and movement in the final piece. I often use the free flowing line produced from slip trailing along with overlapping glazes and textures to help bring the surface treatments into harmony with my pottery forms.