James Jansma

Jansma’s ceramic work is largely influenced by those time laden processes found in the natural realm. Objects are reflective and descriptive - rather than realistic depiction. Recognizable forms serve as changeable receptacles for textural layering and allows the growth of color, deposited like moss or washed minerals. Less visible is the intensity of the “making,” multiple firings in the kiln and numerous reglazing gives each surface its detailed complexity.

James Jansma received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and his MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He’s a three time Fellowship recipient from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and was Artist-in-Residence/Program Director at Peters Valley Craft Center in Layton, NJ from 1988-99. He also served on the faculty at Princeton University in Visual Arts, where he taught the Ceramics Program from 1992-2003. Jansma was an invited International Artist at the Anseong Ceramic Art Festival in South Korea in 2003, and in 2008 was selected to be the Guest Artist at the East/West Clay Exhibition in Mashiko, Japan.