John's Studio in Worthing
Now in his eighth decade, John Evans collected and studied ceramics from his early teens but didn't start making ceramics until his 40's. The life-long passion then continued apace to see him graduating in his 50's from the renowned studio pottery training at Harrow (University of Westminster) with a BA (Hons) degree in Ceramics. His style at that time evolved from high temperature reduction firings, particularly copper-red glazes, towards a study of the low-fired ceramic ware of early civilisations. Early work from Japan, Greece, South America, and Africa have all added to his inspiration and today show through in the naked clay (unglazed) burnished surfaces of his work.
The work has an earthy, natural feel but is ultra contemporary in style. The complex processes used to achieve the end results are sometimes lengthy, involving primitive techniques such as burnishing and then multiple firings using smoke and fumes to mark the surfaces - part controlled and part random. The final work is unglazed, with a smooth, very tactile, surface often said to resemble that of marble or soapstone.
Originally much of the work was solely using smoke to create black and grey marks on a white surface but this has evolved today following experimentation with other fumes to create coloured surface markings using a variety of naked clay techniques now popular, not only with collectors of his work, but also amongst potters who attend his Alternative Firing Workshops to learn these techniques.
The work has an earthy, natural feel but is ultra contemporary in style. The complex processes used to achieve the end results are sometimes lengthy, involving primitive techniques such as burnishing and then multiple firings using smoke and fumes to mark the surfaces - part controlled and part random. The final work is unglazed, with a smooth, very tactile, surface often said to resemble that of marble or soapstone.
Originally much of the work was solely using smoke to create black and grey marks on a white surface but this has evolved today following experimentation with other fumes to create coloured surface markings using a variety of naked clay techniques now popular, not only with collectors of his work, but also amongst potters who attend his Alternative Firing Workshops to learn these techniques.
La Gomera - Los Roques
John works now from his home which overlooks the sea in Worthing on England's South coast. Images used in his work are often influenced by rough seas which hit the coast-line in winter, the storm clouds which gather, and the many 'found' objects washed onto the beach. John's other home, in the mountains of La Gomera , provides inspiration through the dark, wind-eroded cliff faces, clear star-lit nights, and the mountain forests.
The work is truly 3 Dimensional with form, surface markings and texture each playing their part. Forms, whether vessel based or sculptural, are often derived from the human form. Markings may be figurative or abstracted from influences such as nebulae, eclipses, volcanic rocks or the cave drawings of our ancestors. Burnished surfaces - warming to the touch but as smooth as marble - using ancient techniques to give a truly contemporary experience.
John's Marks
In recent years John has increasingly worked in collaboration with his partner, Janet Branscombe (Sculptor and Painter) to jointly produce work reflecting their combined interest in these techniques. John is a member of the Southern Ceramic Group, London Potters, and the Sussex Guild. His work is shown across the UK at major ceramic festivals and is in collections worldwide. John's work is individually signed and dated. The marks appear in the 3rd Edition of 'British Studio Potters' Marks'.
The work is truly 3 Dimensional with form, surface markings and texture each playing their part. Forms, whether vessel based or sculptural, are often derived from the human form. Markings may be figurative or abstracted from influences such as nebulae, eclipses, volcanic rocks or the cave drawings of our ancestors. Burnished surfaces - warming to the touch but as smooth as marble - using ancient techniques to give a truly contemporary experience.
John's Marks
In recent years John has increasingly worked in collaboration with his partner, Janet Branscombe (Sculptor and Painter) to jointly produce work reflecting their combined interest in these techniques. John is a member of the Southern Ceramic Group, London Potters, and the Sussex Guild. His work is shown across the UK at major ceramic festivals and is in collections worldwide. John's work is individually signed and dated. The marks appear in the 3rd Edition of 'British Studio Potters' Marks'.