Jo Davies, London-based Ceramicist

Naomi Jones talks to London based ceramicist Jo Davies about her architecturally inspired pieces.

What motivates you to create?
I couldn’t pinpoint any one thing except a compulsion to make; it’s very strong and there is no way to ignore it.

Have you always felt this way?
Definitely. At school I was always the scruffy, arty one with clay and glue in my hair!

Why did you choose ceramics over other media?
I came to clay as a teenager through an interest in sculpture and art. Over the years my visual interests have become more and more craft and design based, whether it’s vases, pots or lights; however, there is still a strong sense of the sculptural in my work – shape and form are always my first concerns over and above function.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Architectural decoration: ceiling roses and cornicing, in particular. I love the way these exaggerated forms drape and highlight their functional counterparts. I tend to see each piece I make as having two halves: the base, which is always quite a controlled, still form; and the top, which is unwieldy and often feels like it’s wriggling. The clay itself also inspires me – all my work is thrown on a pottery wheel and the clay must be very wet, so I want the final ceramic to honour that fluid stage.

Did you formally study your craft?
Yes, at Bath School of Art & Design and then, after a few years of running my own studio and exhibiting, I began an MA at the Royal College of Art. The two years I spent at the RCA really served to crystallise my practice and held up a mirror to my work, warts and all.

What’s your current workshop like?
It’s set inside a railway arch in south London and there are around 25 artists/makers in other studios. Of all the places I’ve worked, I’ve found the strongest sense of community here. We have fun together, organise joint events, drink tea – and occasionally have arguments!

Who do you most admire in the arts and crafts world?
Eccentric ceramic artist Grayson Perry, for his art, wit and highly individual style.

If you weren’t a craftsperson, what do you think you’d be doing?
I tend to be a bit of an armchair agony aunt, so I’d probably be a therapist.

What advice would you give others, then, who would like to become more creative?
The initial step is to stop worrying about getting it right first time; have a few trial runs to begin with. One of the biggest misconceptions about artists or designers is that their creativity is like magic that appears from nowhere. A person doesn’t just automatically know how to draw or to paint or to be a potter – it takes some practice at least.

When you want to take your mind off work, what do you do?
Spending time with friends is the best for this; where would I be without them?

Contact Jo via the website jo-davies.com or call her on 07813 965667.

WORDS NAOMI JONES PHOTOGRAPHS MATTHEW BOOTH
Featured in the March 2010 issue of Period Living