James Kelly

BIOGRAPHY

My name is James Caldwell Kelly I’ve lived in Denver since 2001. Most of my time spent working with clay goes back to my days before I moved to Colorado. I first found a love for clay in high school back in Michigan where I grew up. We were raised in a family of artists, my mom, aunts, and grandmother are all very talented painters and my brother is also a ceramic artist/professor. I then attended Northern Michigan University and received a BFA in ceramics. Following NMU I spent one semester at the University of Minnesota as an independent study. In the spring of 2001 I decided I wanted a change and moved to Colorado on a whim with several friends. The next thing I knew 10 years had gone by enjoying life in Colorado and working with clay took a back seat to living life. I applied to become a member of The Colorado Potters Guild and was accepted in 2010. Since that time I’ve gotten married to the love of my life, Angie, and have been slowly working to get back into working with clay. I’ve recently finished a home studio and using that as well as the facilities at the Potters Guild I’m working to become a full time ceramist all while enjoying life in colorful Colorado.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Like the saying goes, “art imitates life.” I find that to be true of the work I make. Living in a mid-century modem home as directly influenced my design aesthetic. Simple, clean lines offset by organic shapes and varied surfaces mimic in many ways the way we have decorated our house. Bright pops of color and a mix of materials such as wood, concrete, tile all working together to create a modern cohesive design. I enjoy mixing designs, colors, and varied surface treatments in a similar way on my pots. The work is meant to function both physically and perhaps more importantly for me, aesthetically. I am ultimately just trying to make cool pots that enhance everyday experiences.  

Instagram : @redbeardceramics